Route sol-gel - Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline zirconia

Nanocrystalline zirconia was prepared by the interaction between ZrOCl₂.8H₂O and citric acid in sol-gel method. Reaction was carried out in aqueous phase followed by calcinations at optimum temperature. The structural and textural features were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry/Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Ammonia-Temperature Programmed Desorption (NH₃-TPD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area was used for analyzing surface features like acidity and porosity