Structure, thermal stability, and catalytic performance of MgO-ZrO ₂ composites

A composite constituted by zirconia supported on magnesia is thermally treated. Depending on temperature, several crystal sizes and crystalline zirconia structures are obtained. At low temperatures, cubic zirconia crystals are found to be deposited on the crystalline magnesia matrix. As temperature increases, the cubic zirconia phase transforms to the tetragonal and the monoclinic phases. They form clusters supported on the MgO matrix. All these results are supported by different analytical techniques and a catalytic test.