Synthesis, Characterization and Photoluminescent Properties of ZrO2 Nanocrystals

Nanocrystalline zirconium oxide (ZrO2) was synhesized by hydrothermal method in presence of hydrogen peroxide. Surface morphology analysis depicts the formation of the nanorods. The structural analysis confirms that the as-synthesized ZrO2 product is of pure monoclinic phase (m-ZrO2) with crystallite size of about ~8 nm. The product consists of monodispersed nanoparticles of uniform composition, high purity, and crystallinity. The Raman spectra are quantitatively analyzed and the observed peaks are attributed to various vibration modes of the m-ZrO2. Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of ZrO2 nanostructure showed a strong and broad emission peak at around 534 nm, which can be attributed the participation of several energy levels.