Process parameters in obtaining zirconia nanostructured by sol-gel

In this study the synthesis of nanostructured zirconia via sol-gel was investigated, with the aim of relating the influence of the processing parameters with the type and size of the phases. Zirconium n-propoxide was used as the precursor and several parameters were investigated, such as pH (using HNO3, CH3COOH and NH4OH), solvent (ethanol and n-propanol), synthesis temperature and thermal treatment time and temperature. The particle sizes and the polydispersion of colloidal dispersions were determined in situ using dynamic light scatting. In acetic medium, most of the population was found to be below 100 nm. With the introduction of NaCl, the maximum particle size reached 71 nm. For other reaction media (HNO3 and without acid or base), the largest particle size was in the order of micrometers. The curve of distribution of pores in diameter showed that the powders should submit mesoporos smaller than 4 nm. These features indicate that the sintetized zirconia powders can be potentially used to obtain ceramic membranes for ultrafiltration processes.