SAIP2025

The effects of annealing temperature on physical properties of Ce₂Zr₂O₇ materials

9 Jul 2025, 15:00

20m

Solomon Mahlangu House (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg)

Oral Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials

Speaker

Mr Saheed Omotosho Yissah (Rare Earth-Based Oxides and Nano Group, Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway Avenue and University Road, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa.)

Description

Pyrochlore oxides are fascinating class of materials known for their remarkable thermal stability and adaptability, making them excellent candidates for energy-related applications. In this study we explore the effects of thermal treatment on structural, morphological, optical, thermodynamic and magnetic properties of Ce₂Zr₂O₇ nanoparticles (CZONPs) prepared using sol-gel method and then followed by thermal annealing treatment. The micro-structure, size, optical, and magnetic properties of prepared samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy, and physical properties measurement system (PPMS), respectively. The results showed mixed phases of CeZrO4 and Ce₂Zr₂O₇ at various annealing temperature ranges. The ratio between these phases was changing as a function of annealing temperature. The pure phase of CZONPs was obtained at high temperature. These findings point to a strong correlation between pyrochlore’s stability, making the material highly relevant for high-temperature applications.