Synthesis of ZrO2 Nanorods and Their Application as Membrane Materials

Zirconia (ZrO2) materials are widely used in a variety of energy systems and devices. When nanorod-shaped ZrO2 is used as energy materials, ionic conductivity and mechanical strength can be improved compared to the characteristics of conventional spherical-shaped nanomaterials. In this study, we synthesized ZrO2 nanorods and investigated the shape change of them depending on various synthesis conditions such as precursor concentration, synthesis temperature, synthesis period, and aging period. The obtained nanorods were casted into a membrane for alkaline water electrolysis system and subjected to basic performance evaluation for use as a separator. The structure and the shape of the nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the like.