Microstructure and growth mechanism of ZrO₂ 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 30-54 nm finally grow into a network of ZrO ₂ layer during the cooling process. In the border region, due to the appropriate growth temperature and adequate ZrO₂ vapors, ZrO ₂ nanorods with a significant increase in length are synthesized during the ablation process.