Synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles in a continuous-flow microwave reactor

Monodispersed zirconia colloidal spherical nanoparticles were synthesized from the hydrolysis and condensation of Tetra-n-propylzirconate (TPZ) by using a continuous microwave synthesis process. The flow rate was varied from 50 to 100 ml/min in order to establish the optimum conditions required to obtain unagglomerated zirconia nanopowders. The results were compared with those obtained in batch systems. In particular as the flow rate is decreased from 100 to 50 ml/min the particle became spherical with a mean particle size of about 100 nm.