Synthesis of ZrO2–TiO2 solid solutions by various synthetic methods in the region of high zirconium contents

Zirconia samples and ZrO2–TiO2 solid solutions were synthesized from zirconium and titanium alkoxides with the Zr/Ti molar ratios of 1:0, 9:1, 6:1, and 3:1 by various methods, i.e., glycothermal method using 1,4-butanediol or ethylene glycol, alkoxide method, and solvothermal treatment of the alkoxide-derived hydroxide sol. The samples were characterized by XRD, TG-DTA, Raman spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption isotherm. In all the samples, ZrO2–TiO2 solid solutions were obtained in which Ti was incorporated into the ZrO2 lattice. The ZrO2–TiO2 solid solutions had higher thermal stabilities and much larger surface areas than ZrO2.