Anisotropic morphology, formation mechanisms, and fluorescence properties of zirconia nanocrystals

ZrO(2) nanocrystals with spheres and elongated platelets were systemically prepared through a simple hydrothermal method by the use of ZrOCl(2)·8H(2)O and CH(3)COOK as raw materials. The anisotropic morphology and formation mechanism of the monoclinic and/or tetragonal ZrO(2) were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and high-resolution transmission electron microscope techniques. The uniform elongated platelets and star-like structures were composed of short nanorods with a diameter of approximately 5 nm and a length of approximately 10 nm. The different morphologies were formed due to the different contents of CH(3)COO(−) and Cl(−) and their synergy. The fluorescence band position and the band shape remained about the same for excitation wavelengths below 290 nm and the different morphologies of the nanocrystals.