Synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles from commercial zirconia by hydrothermal process for fuel cells applications

Zirconia nano-size particles were prepared by a hydrothermal method using commercial zirconia as starting material. Crystalline zirconia (ZrO2) exhibits various crystal structures which cubic and tetragonal phases can be utilized for fuel cell applications (SOFC and PEM fuel cell). In this paper, We report hydrothermal method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline ZrO2 powder, and its characterization by XRD and SEM techniques. The influences of experimental conditions on the phase formation and grain size of products were investigated. The SEM of product obtained after hydrothermally treatment showed the nano-size zirconia obtained has average particle size in the range of 20-50 nm.

Synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles from commercial zirconia by hydrothermal process for fuel cells applications Keywords:

nano-crystalline , commercial zirconia , hydrothermal treatment , fuel cell