Heterophase conversion of K2ZrF6 into zirconium hydroxide

Abstract

We have studied general kinetic aspects of the heterophase conversion of single-phase potassium hexafluorozirconate into zirconium hydroxide by potassium hydroxide solutions, related to the influence of the alkali concentration, the alkali-to-K₂ZrF₆ molar ratio, and temperature. The synthesized crystal-like X-ray amorphous zirconium hydroxide is an anamorphosis of potassium hexafluorozirconate. Heat treatment of the hydroxide at a relatively low temperature leads to the formation of nanostructured metastable tetragonal zirconium dioxide.