A green approach for synthesizing high pure gadolinium zirconate nano-particles using microwave energy

Abstract

Nano crystalline high purity gadolinium zirconate powder has been prepared by wet chemical synthesis method using microwave energy. Co-precipitation of zirconium oxychloride and gadolinium nitrate under the influence of microwave energy is studied. The powder has been characterized using thermal TG-DTA/DSC, XRD, EDS and FESEM. The average crystallite size (ACS) of the ZrO2 (600 degrees C) nano-particles is found to be 26 nm. The characterization studies have shown the existence of non agglomerated nano-crystalline particles with regular and uniform spherical morphology. Microwave energy is found to assist in achieving the desired properties of gadolinium zirconate. The microwave assisted synthesis is faster, better and green chemistry approach which not only provides the enhanced reaction rates and high yields but also, it provides short reaction time, higher selectivity and reduction of pollutant solvents. The key features of obtaining the pure non agglomerated nano-structured gadolinium zirconate powder are the notable attractions of the present study.