Microwave-assisted polyol synthesis of V-ZrSiO4 nanoparticles and its use as a blue ceramic pigment

In this study, a microwave-assisted polyol technique was used to synthesize vanadium-containing nanopigments of ZrSiO4. The influence of microwave power (300-900 W) and irradiation time (60-120 s) on the purity, crystallinity, and particle size of the synthesized nanoparticles was studied. The resulting powder (synthesized and calcined) was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis shows that the 300 W synthesized powder is composed of solid amorphous particles. The microwave power was increased to 900 W to convert all particles to crystalline nano-ZrSiO4. The experiment revealed the critical influence of irradiation time and microwave power on purity and crystallinity. The microwave effect can accelerate the reaction and the nucleation rate of ZrSiO4 at a lower reaction temperature. The nanoparticles obtained were tested as ceramic pigments, and the colorimetric parameters of CIELab were measured. Structure and colorimetric studies have confirmed that a fully crystalline zircon phase can be obtained at 1100 degrees C and can be used as a blue pigment. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

In this study, vanadium-containing nanopigments of ZrSiO4 were synthesized using a microwave-assisted polyol technique, and the effects of microwave power and irradiation time on the properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were investigated. The results showed that fully crystalline nano-ZrSiO4 could be obtained under appropriate conditions, which can be used as blue ceramic pigments.