Phase Transformation of Nanosized Zirconia

The nanosized zirconia was synthesized via solid state reaction in the presence of surfactant. The results indicate that crystal phase of zirconia can be controlled by tuning the syn- thesis parameters such as OH–/Zr molar ratio, crystallizing temperature and time. It can be trans- formed among amorphous, tetragonal and monoclinic phases. The transformation is driven by particle size. The research shows the nanocrystalline zirconia possesses the higher thermal stability compared with amorphous framework. The “glow exotherm” can be observed for the amorphous samples. Otherwise, it is in the absence for nanocrystalline samples. Herein, the reason for retention of tetragonal zirconia is demonstrated.