Abstract：Sub-micron spherical ZrO₂ particles were prepared by the solutions C₂H₅OH containing CO (NH₂) ₂ and Zr (NO₃) ₄·5H₂O via the solvothermal treatment at 100 ℃. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , X-ray diffraction (XRD) , Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) , and UV-vis spectra were used to characterize the samples. The influence of preparation conditions on the final product was investigated. The experimental results indicate that sub-micron spherical ZrO₂ particles prepared via the solvothermal treatment possess narrow particle size distribution.The surfactants, inorganic salt solution and water have some effect on size and shape of products. The spherical ZrO₂ particles with narrow particle size distribution can be obtained by adding appropriate amount of water, and the spherical shape remained during the heat treatment.

Keywords: hydrothermal process; zirconia; spherical particles