Product Information
General Information
Description
Product Introduction
Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂, CAS No. 1314-23-4), also known as Zirconia or Zirconium Oxide, is a high-performance inorganic oxide material widely used in advanced ceramics, optical materials, electronic components, catalysts, biomedical materials, and energy-related technologies. It is recognized as one of the most important ceramic materials due to its high melting point, excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability, corrosion resistance, and ionic conductivity.
Zirconium dioxide exhibits three main crystal phases: monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic phases. Through stabilization with dopants such as yttria (Y₂O₃), zirconia can achieve enhanced toughness and ionic conductivity, enabling applications in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), oxygen sensors, thermal barrier coatings, and zirconia ceramics.
Chemical Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Zirconium Dioxide |
| Synonyms | Zirconia; Zirconium Oxide; Zirconium(IV) Oxide |
| CAS Number | 1314-23-4 |
| Molecular Formula | ZrO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 123.22 g/mol |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Melting Point | Approximately 2700°C |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 4300°C |
| Density | ~5.6–5.9 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Crystal Forms | Monoclinic, tetragonal, cubic |
Chemical Characteristics
Zirconium dioxide offers:
- Extremely high thermal stability
- Excellent mechanical strength and fracture toughness
- Outstanding corrosion resistance
- High hardness and wear resistance
- Low thermal conductivity
- High dielectric properties
- Excellent ionic conductivity after stabilization
Key Research Applications
1. Advanced Ceramic Materials
Zirconium dioxide is one of the most important raw materials for high-performance ceramics.
Typical applications include:
- Zirconia ceramic components
- Structural ceramics
- Wear-resistant parts
- Cutting tools
- Ceramic bearings
- Precision mechanical components
Zirconia ceramics are valued for their high strength, toughness, and resistance to chemical and thermal degradation.
2. Biomedical Materials
Due to its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties, zirconia is widely studied for biomedical applications.
Typical applications include:
- Dental zirconia ceramics
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Orthopedic materials
- Biocompatible ceramic implants
- Medical device components
3. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)
Stabilized zirconia is an important electrolyte material for electrochemical energy conversion systems.
Typical applications include:
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)
- Oxygen-ion conducting electrolytes
- Solid oxide fuel cells
- Oxygen sensors
- Electrochemical devices
4. Thermal Barrier Coatings
Zirconia-based coatings are widely used in high-temperature environments because of their low thermal conductivity and thermal stability.
Typical applications include:
- Aerospace coatings
- Gas turbine components
- High-temperature protection layers
- Engine thermal management
5. Optical Materials
Zirconium dioxide is used in optical applications due to its high refractive index and transparency in specific wavelength ranges.
Typical applications include:
- Optical coatings
- Precision lenses
- Anti-reflective coatings
- Optical ceramics
6. Catalyst and Catalyst Support Materials
Zirconia is widely used as a catalyst support due to its surface properties, acidity/basicity, and thermal stability.
Typical applications include:
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Hydrogenation catalysts
- Oxidation reactions
- Catalyst stabilization
- Surface chemistry studies
7. Electronic Materials
ZrO₂ is investigated as a functional dielectric material in electronic devices.
Typical applications include:
- High-k dielectric layers
- Capacitor materials
- Semiconductor device research
- Thin-film electronics
Recommended Experimental Conditions
| Parameter | Recommended Conditions |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Room temperature |
| Storage Environment | Dry conditions |
| Moisture Protection | Recommended |
| Container | Tightly sealed |
| Handling | Avoid contamination |
Advantages
- Excellent thermal resistance
- High mechanical strength
- Superior chemical stability
- High hardness and wear resistance
- Excellent electrical insulation properties
- Suitable for advanced ceramic manufacturing
- Versatile precursor for zirconium-based materials
Storage & Handling
- Store in a dry, sealed container.
- Protect from moisture and contamination.
- Avoid inhalation of fine powder.
- Handle according to standard laboratory safety procedures.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Research Areas
- Advanced ceramics
- Materials science
- Energy storage and conversion
- Solid oxide fuel cells
- Biomedical materials
- Semiconductor materials
- Optical engineering
- Catalysis
- Nanotechnology
FAQ
What is Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂) used for?
Zirconium dioxide is widely used in advanced ceramics, biomedical materials, thermal barrier coatings, optical materials, catalysts, electronic materials, and energy technologies.
Why is Zirconium Dioxide used in ceramics?
ZrO₂ provides excellent toughness, hardness, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for high-performance ceramic applications.
What is stabilized zirconia?
Stabilized zirconia is zirconium dioxide modified with dopants such as yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) or calcium oxide (CaO) to stabilize tetragonal or cubic phases and improve mechanical properties or ionic conductivity.
Is Zirconium Dioxide used in battery research?
Yes. Stabilized zirconia is widely studied as an oxygen-ion conducting ceramic electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells and electrochemical devices.
Why is Zirconia used in dental materials?
Zirconia combines high strength, fracture resistance, and biocompatibility, making it suitable for dental restorations and medical ceramic applications.
Can Zirconium Dioxide be used as a catalyst support?
Yes. Zirconia is frequently used as a catalyst support because of its thermal stability and adjustable surface acid-base properties.
How should Zirconium Dioxide be stored?
Store in a sealed container under dry conditions. Avoid prolonged exposure to humidity and contamination.
Is this product intended for research use only?
Yes. This product is intended for laboratory research, materials development, analytical applications, and industrial R&D use only.
