Formation of ceria partially stabilized zirconia nanocrystals by laser evaporation-condensation

Sintered CeO 2-ZrO 2 (1:9 molar ratio) targets were subject to CO 2 laser ablation (1600 W for 8 s in air) regarding alloying and phase transformation of the fluorite-type condensates for potential engineering applications. Analytical electron microscopy indicated the CeO 2-ZrO 2 solid solution condensates contain tetragonal precipitates in the cubic phase matrix and are generally spherical in shape. On the other hand, dendritic particles with curved vicinal {∼ 111} surfaces were also formed, due to the combined effects of Wulff shape, constitutional supercooling and cellular growth along . The relatively large particles have a clear Si (impurity)-rich amorphous shell indicating a vapor-liquid-solid formation mechanism.