Flame spray synthesis of ZrO2 nano-particles using liquid precursors

This paper studies the feasibility of using flame spray to produce ZrO2 nano-particles using a liquid precursor. The effects of varying precursor concentrations and ratio of diluting medium on the phase composition, size and morphology of ZrO2 nano-particles are discussed. The morphology and size of the ZrO2 nano-particles was very much dependent on the precursor concentration. The solvent ratio of H2O:ethanol also played a part in determining the characteristics of the ZrO2 nano-particles. The nano-particles had the best characteristics when the precursor concentration was low and ethanol (added as solvent) content was high. In particular, the best characteristics were obtained using precursor concentration of 0.25 M, H2O:ethanol ratio of 0:1. The nano-particles had very small particle size (∼50 nm), relatively high specific surface area (28.6 m2/g) and high degree of crystallinity. However, particles synthesized tend to be agglomerated.