Fast Solvothermal Synthesis of Organic-Modified Single-Nanosized Zirconia Dispersed in Benzyl Alcohol

To develop a fast synthesis method for organic-modified single-nanosized zirconium oxide (zirconia) particles dispersed in a solvent, the effects of temperature (300–400 °C), simultaneous modification with carboxylic acids, and precursors on the solvothermal synthesis with benzyl alcohol as a solvent were investigated. The formation of zirconia nanoparticles in this study occurred much faster than in a typical solvothermal condition (250 °C), and nanoparticles (2.6–3.4 nm) were successfully obtained at 2–5 min. The combination of TG and FT-IR analysis for the sample treated with benzoic acid at 400 °C confirmed that benzoic acid was chemically modified on the nanoparticles. In addition, the carbon number of the alkyl group of the zirconia precursor is an important factor that determines the size of zirconia. Zirconium oxide dispersible in benzyl alcohol can be obtained 5-min treatment under 400 °C solvothermal condition with benzoic acid. As shown in a graphic, transparent solution was obtained. FT-IR analysis indicates benzoic acid chemically modified on the nanoparticles.