Phase Diagram at Low Temperature of the System ZrO2/Nb2O5

Various compositions of the ZrO₂/Nb₂O₅ system were synthesized and the experimental conditions for obtaining reproducible results were established. The gel was precipitated at constant pH = 10, aged at room temperature for 18 h and, after filtration, dried at 110 °C for 24 h. The phase diagram of the ZrO₂/Nb₂O₅ system was established between 600 and 1300 °C. Phase transitions of ZrO₂ and Nb₂O₅ were observed with XRD; and two ternary compounds, 6 ZrO₂ · Nb₂O₅ and 12 Nb₂O₅ · ZrO₂, were identified. The samples with a Nb₂O₅ content between approximately 10 and 40 mole% showed the greatest specific area and are thus best for use as catalyst supports.