A new synthesis process and characterization of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous ZrO2

A three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) material ZrO2 has been successfully synthesized by using ZrOC12·8H2O as precursor and polystyrene beads with diameters of 480 nm as template. The merit of this process is that ZrOC12·8H2O is cheaper and has a high melting point. SEM images show that precursor concentration has an important effect in fabricating 3DOM ZrO2. The sample prepared by using the precursor solution with a concentration of 1.6 M displays a well long-ranged ordered structure and uniform pore sizes. Precursor concentration between 1.3 M and 2.0 M is considered to be the most favorable to fabricate 3DOM ZrO2. XRD analysis indicates that the crystallinity of 3DOM ZrO2 is monoclinic phase. Nitrogen adsorption and desorption measurements at 77.4 K show detailed pore structures of 3DOM ZrO2.