Solution-based synthesis of BaZrO3 nanoparticles: conventional versus microwave synthesis

In this paper, we report on the synthesis of BaZrO3 nanostructures by novel bottom-up synthesis methods. Nanocrystals with diameters ranging from 5 to 10 nm are prepared from aqueous or multiple phase precursor solutions. In order to transform the precursor solutions into nanocrystal containing suspensions, both conventional and microwave-assisted solvothermal treatments are used. An additional heat treatment was necessary to obtain crystalline particles starting from the aqueous precursor, while crystalline particles are directly obtained after solvothermal treatment of the multiple phase precursor. The crystallinity and size of the obtained nanoparticles are investigated by means of dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. We found that the nature of the bases used in the multiple phase precursor have an effect on the particle morphology. In general, the microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis renders the best prospects towards small particle sizes between 3 and 5 nm in diameter with a narrow size distribution. In addition, the process exhibits higher energy efficiency, resulting in lower reaction times (5 min-2 h) in comparison with the conventional solvothermal treatment (4-24 h).