Synthesis of Zirconium Diboride (ZrB2) Nanoparticles by Sol-gel Method
Synthesis of Zirconium Diboride (ZrB2) Nanoparticles by Sol-gel Method
- CHECKLISTZirconium Propoxide (Zr(OPr)4), Boric Acid (H3BO3), Sucrose (C12H22O11), Acetic Acid (CH3COOH), Methanol (CH3OH), Acetylacetone (C5H8O2), Water
- STEP 1.Add Zirconium Propoxide (6.3ml) and Acetylacetone (1.2ml) in 25ml of Methanol. Stirrer it at room temperature.
- STEP 2.Add 4ml of water dropwise and stirrer for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- STEP 3.In another beaker, Add Boric Acid (2.5g) and Sucrose (2.9g) in 45ml of Acetic Acid. Stirrer for 30 minutes a 80°C.
- STEP 4.Add Zirconium Propoxide solution into Boric Acid solution and stirrer for 4 hours at 60°C to form the wet gel.
- STEP 5.Dry the formed wet gel at 120°C for 3 hours to form the final precursor.
- STEP 6.Now grind the dried sample with mortar-pestle. And Calcine it at 1550°C for 4 hours at a slow ramping rate of 2-3°C/min.
- RESULTSFinally, Zirconium Diboride (ZrB2) Nanoparticles are formed as Gray color after calcination.
- Factors Affecting SynthesisCalcination (in STEP 6) can also be done in 3 steps. First 30-800°C with 5°C/min, then 800-1200°C with 3°C/min for 2 hours and finally 1200-1550°C with 2°C/min for another 2 hours. Cooling rate should be 5°C/min. This elaborated calcination can increase the crystallinity of the formed Zirconium Diboride (ZrB2) Nanoparticles.
- NOTE: All the experiments should be done under the guidance of lab Incharge; and proper lab safety instructions.
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