Synthesis of La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 nanopowder using a simple chemical precipitation method and heat treatment at high temperature

Abstract

AbstractLa2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 ultrafine powder was prepared via a precipitation process using ZrOCl2.8H2O, Ce(NO3)3.6H2O, and La2O3 precursors. The thermal behavior, phase structure, particle size, and morphology of the nanostructured precipitate and the calcined powders were investigated. The thermal analysis results of the nanostructured precipitate showed that pyrolysis occurs at 600 °C. The X-ray diffraction analysis results of the calcined powders indicated that submicrometer crystalline phases of lanthanum zirconate pyrochlore and lanthanum cerate fluorite with approximately 50 % amorphous were formed at 1 100 °C. The powders calcined at 900 °C were composed of semi-crystallized nanoparticles including crystalline phases of lanthanum zirconate and cerate. The semi-crystallized nano-particles can potentially be used as raw material of new nanostructured thermal barrier coatings.