Fabrication of three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous zirconia using nanoporous carbon as a scaffold

Abstract

Zirconia exhibits important properties such as catalytic activity, ionic conductivity, and dielectric properties. Nanoporous zirconia, with its high surface area and large pore volume, is attracting attention for applications in catalysis and separation materials. Precise pore size control is crucial; however, achieving control within the range of tens of nm remains difficult. In this study, nanoporous carbon was used as a nanoscale scaffold and Zr species were deposited onto the pore walls with nanometer thickness, followed by calcination for carbon removal and zirconia crystallization. This process is crucial for forming a highly ordered nanoporous zirconia with improved pore size control and uniformity.