Water state in nanocrystals of zirconium dioxide prepared under hydrothermal conditions and its influence on structural transformations

Resumo

The state of water in the nanocrystals of zirconium dioxide prepared via hydrothermal synthesis has been studied. Water molecules are localized at the nanoparticles surface as well as in the crystal structure of tetragonal modification of zirconia. The effect of water elimination on the structural transformations in the nanocrystals has been analyzed. Stabilization of tetragonal modification of zirconia at the lower temperature range is related to the presence of water in the nanocrystals.