Preparation and characterization of monodispersed YSZ nanocrystals

A novel method for large-scale preparation of yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y SZ) nanocrystals is presented. The hydrous YSZ colloidal nanoparticles are self-assembled on the surface of SrCO3 nanoparticles by a sonochemical meth od. After calcination, fully crystalline monodispersed YSZ nanoparticles ar e obtained, and the SrCO3 is washed out by 10% HNO3 solution. The agglomera tion of YSZ particles is inhibited as the crystallization occurs on the sur face and interface of SrCO3 nanoparticles. The nanocrystals are monodispers ed with an average particle size of 4.7 nm and a high surface area of 165 m (2)/g. The quantum confinement effect is observed: the band gap increases f rom 4.13 eV for the agglomerated sample to 5.44 eV for the monodispersed YS Z nanocrystals.