OPTIMIZATION OF pH ON THE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZIRCONIA (ZrO2) NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

In this attempt, Zirconia (ZrO2) was successfully synthesized using the optimized content of Zirconium nitrate
as a source material and the appropriate amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as precipitation agent using coprecipitation method in the absence of surfactant. The effect of pH such as 9,10,11 and 12 on the synthesis of ZrO2 nano
particles had been analysed. The prepared samples were examined by XRD, FTIR, SEM and Photoluminescence studies.
The monoclinic structure was confirmed using XRD analysis (JCPDS card no.89-9066). The crystallite size was
calculated as 20-58nm using Debye-Scherer formula. Zr-O stretching vibration and Zr-O2-Zr asymmetric vibrations
were confirmed through FT-IR analysis. The different morphology was obtained through SEM analysis. The band gap of
the ZrO2 nano particles was estimated through PL analysis. The optimized sample was examined through TEM analysis.
The as prepared ZrO2 could be used as filler in the lithium polymer battery electrolyte application.