Block copolymer templating syntheses of mesoporous ZrO2 with large ordering lengths and semicrystalline framework

Abstract

The one-pot synthesis of ZrO2 via self-assembly of a metal precursor and Zirconyl nitrate pentahydrate in the presence of triblock copolymer (as a structure directing agent) is described in detail for Zirconia. The resulting mesoporous ZrO2 possess well-developed mesoporosity, Specific total surface area is calculated using the BET equation, whereas specific total pore volume is evaluated from N2 uptake at a relative pressure (P/Po) of N2 equal to 0.95., large pore widths, and crystalline pore walls. The synthesized nanometric powder is expected to be used have excellent potential for applications as high surface area battery electrodes, sensors, optoelectronic devices, and catalysts. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.