Preparation of Globular Zirconium(IV) Hydroxide by Sol-Gel Process

The sol-gel process of the preparation of globular zirconium(IV) hydroxide is described, which involves formation of zirconium(IV) hydroxide sol by electrolysis of zirconium(IV) chloride solution in a one-compartment cell to a Cl/Zr atomic ratio of less than 0.6, gelation of sol droplets in aqueous ammonia, treatment of gel spheres to remove electrolytes, and drying.