Influence of zirconium salt precursors on the crystal structures of zirconia

Procedures have been developed for preparing zirconia to yield either tetragonal or monoclinic phases following low (400–600 °C) temperature calcination. The data in this note emphasize the need for paying attention to the precursor zirconium salt in preparing the monoclinic or tetragonal phases. A salt precursor obtained from a supplier at different times may produce different results. Generally, it is more difficult to obtain a precursor that will produce the monoclinic phase than the one that will produce the tetragonal form.