Synthesis and Characterization of Single-Phase Cubic ZrO(2) Spherical Nanocrystals by Decomposition Route

A simple thermal decomposition route has been developed to prepare single-phase cubic ZrO(2) nanospheres by [Zr(sal)3(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3)) as the new precursor. The ZrO(2) nanocrystals have been prepared by bis-aqua, tris-salicylaldehy-dato zirconium(IV) nitrate; [Zr(sal)3(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3)), as precursor in oleylamine (C(18)H(37)N) and triphenylphosphine (C(18)H(15)P). To control the particle size, combination of C(18)H(37)N and C(18)H(15)P were applied as surfactants. The C(18)H(37)N and C(18)H(15)P play an important role in preventing aggregation of ZrO(2) nanocrystals. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to depict the phase and morphology. The FT-IR spectrum showed the purity of obtained ZrO(2) nanocrystals with cubic phase.