Microstructure and growth mechanism of ZrO 2 nanorod network via oxyacetylene torch ablation

In this work, the network structure of ZrO2 nanorods was firstly synthesized without a metal catalyst. A developed vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) and oxide-assisted growth (OAG) model is discussed as the growth mechanism of ZrO2 nanorods. ZrO2 nanoparticles, as a growth catalyst, provide zirconium and oxygen atoms for the formation of the nanorods and serve as a growth site as well. In the center and transition regions, ZrO2 nanorods with a diameter of 30–54nm finally grow into a network of ZrO2 layer during the cooling process. In the border region, due to the appropriate growth temperature and adequate ZrO2 vapors, ZrO2 nanorods with a significant increase in length are synthesized during the ablation process.