High Temperature Nanocomposite Through Engineered Synthesis of Hafnia Nano-Dispersoids in Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica

In this communication, we show a solution-based synthetic route that yields a dual-phase SiO₂-based ceramic–ceramic composite capable of retaining nano-structural features up to very high temperatures. The nanocomposite was produced by self-assembly of mesoporous silica using a non-ionic surfactant, and subsequent infiltration of the mesoporosity with a solution containing a high-temperature metal-oxide-based composition (HfO₂). The nanocomposite was consolidated and processed up to 1500°C.