The influence of Si–O–Zr bonds on the crystal-growth inhibition of zirconia prepared by the glycothermal method

SiO2-modified ZrO2 with the Si/Zr ratios of 0.04, 0.08, and 0.15 were prepared by the reaction of zirconium n-propoxide and tetraethyl orthosilicate in 1,4-butanediol. The products were characterized by FT-IR and XRD. The FT-IR spectra exhibit the presence of Si–O–Zr bonds formed during the reaction, indicating a high degree of powder homogeneity. The presence of Si–O–Zr bonds retards the crystal growth upon calcination.