One-pot path for the synthesis of hollow zirconia sub-microspheres using hydrothermal approach

The present study focused on the synthesis of hollow zirconia sub-microspheres through simple one-pot hydrothermal approach. First, autoclaving zirconyl chloride octahydrate as the oxide precursor and glucose monohydrate as the sacrificial template together at 180 degrees C for 20 h resulted in an in-situ formation of core@shell composite. Thereafter, calcination of the composite at 550 degrees C for 4 h was lead to the removal of the template and the formation of the hollow spheres. Results inferred from the XRD, TEM, SEM and IR analysis revealed that hollow zirconia sub-microspheres were readily produced with diameter approximately of 400 nm and the walls of the hollow spheres composed of ZrO2 nanocrystalline particles with a size of 8 nm. (C) 2017 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.