Synthesis and characterization of ZrO2 nanoparticles for optical and electrochemical applications

Cubic phase ZrO2 and mixed phases of monoclinic and cubic ZrO2 nanoparticles were synthesized. The obtained pristine products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optical absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The XRD confirms cubic structure of the product prepared by under reflux conditions. The product obtained by rheological body synthesis had a mixed phase structure of cubic and monoclinic type. TEM analysis of the as-synthesized powders shows particles with spherical shape and sizes in the range from 10 to 100 nm.