Zirconium nanoparticles prepared by the reduction of zirconium oxide using the RAPET method
2011

Synthesis of Metallic Zirconium Nanoparticles

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Eshed Michal, Pol Swati, Gedanken Aharon, Balasubramanian Mahalingam, Schneider Jörg

Primary Institution: Bar-Ilan University

Hypothesis

The aim of the current work is the synthesis and characterization of metallic Zr nanoparticles.

Conclusion

The study successfully synthesized metallic zirconium nanoparticles with an average size of 63 nm, confirming the absence of the by-product MgO.

Supporting Evidence

  • The RAPET method was developed to synthesize metallic Zr nanoparticles.
  • XRD measurements confirmed that the product was pure metallic Zr without traces of MgO.
  • At least 75% of the Zr atoms were found to be in the fully reduced Zr0 state.

Takeaway

The researchers made tiny particles of zirconium metal by heating zirconium dioxide with magnesium, and they found that most of the zirconium was in its metal form.

Methodology

Zirconium dioxide was reacted with magnesium at 750 °C in a closed stainless steel cell, followed by acid treatment to remove MgO.

Limitations

The product must be kept under an inert atmosphere to prevent ignition upon exposure to air.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3762/bjnano.2.23

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