Synthesis of nanosized Y0.15Zr0.85O2 solid-solution by gel combustion method using polyvinyl alcohol

Tetragonal Y0.15Zr0.85O2 powders were prepared by gel combustion method using Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as a matrix. The crystalline phase and morphological characterizations of Y0.15Zr0.85O2 were carried out by means by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results show that tetragonal nanosized Y0.15Zr0.85O2 phase was formed at temperature as low as 650oC. Further thermal treatment at 750oC for 2 hrs yields the single crystalline phase of Y0.15Zr0.85O2 with a uniform size distribution and average grain size < 100 nm. The effects of pH value of the precursor solution as well as the molar ratio of metallic cations over PVA on the formation of tetragonal Y0.15Zr0.85O2 phase were also investigated. (author)