Crystal structure of hafnia–zirconia mixtures obtained by calcination of hydrous oxide prepared by precipitation

Abstract

The pH of the solution in contact with a hydrous zirconium oxide plays a dominant role in determining the crystal phase, tetragonal or monoclinic, in the calcined material. The substitution of low concentrations of hafnium for zirconium destabilizes the tetragonal phase so that only the monoclinic phase is formed; the amount of Hf required for destabilization depends upon the pH used for the preparation of the hydrous oxide. While this study has defined a phenomenon, the results do not permit a definition of the mechanism for it.