Preparation and characterization of tetragonal dominant nanocrystalline ZrO2 obtained via direct precipitation

Nanocrystalline ZrO2 has been prepared by using ZrO(NO3)2·6H2O through direct precipitation followed by calcination. Transmission Electron Microscopic characterization of the powder shows the particle size dominantly of the order of 10 nm. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows the formation of both tetragonal and monoclinic phases where the tetragonal phase is dominant. The estimation of tetragonal phase has been carried out using the Raman scattering spectroscopy. Zeta potential of suspended ZrO2 in aqueous medium with surfactant has been measured at varying pH and temperature to understand the effects of temperature at the interface of nanocrystalline ZrO2 in water.