Jaime A. Benavides-Guerrero , Luis F. Gerlein , Astrid C. Angel-Ospina , Paul Fourmont , Abhiroop Bhattacharya , Abbas Zirakjou , Fabrice Vaussenat , Caroline A. Ross , Sylvain G. Cloutier
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
We demonstrate how strategically engineered oxygen vacancies enable room-temperature laser crystallization of zirconia (ZrO₂) in ambient air. Our sol-gel chelation synthesis creates amorphous ZrO₂ nanoparticles with a high concentration of oxygen vacancies that fundamentally alter the material's energy landscape. These defects create sub-bandgap states that facilitate visible light absorption and dramatically reduce the energy barrier for crystallization. Under low-energy laser irradiation (405–532 nm), oxygen vacancies mediate a rapid phase transformation mechanism where atmospheric oxygen interacts with vacancy sites, triggering ionic rearrangement and crystallization without conventional high-temperature processing. For comparison purposes, this study also explores the thermal crystallization of black zirconia in an oxidative atmosphere, a process typically performed under vacuum or inert conditions. Through comprehensive characterization (FTIR, EPR, XPS, XRD, Raman), we establish that vacancy-mediated crystallization produces monoclinic ZrO₂ with preserved defect structures, yielding a distinctive black phase with 25.6 % oxygen vacancy concentration, significantly higher than thermally processed counterparts (9.2 %). This vacancy-enabled crystallization circumvents the need for extreme temperatures (>1170°C) typically required for ZrO₂ processing, making it compatible with additive manufacturing. Using a modified 3D printer with a 405 nm laser, we demonstrate patterned crystallization of complex architectures, opening new possibilities for fabricating advanced ZrO₂-based devices for photocatalysis, fuel cells, and energy applications. This work provides fundamental insights into defect-mediated phase transformations and establishes a new paradigm for room-temperature ceramic processing.
期刊介绍:
Additive Manufacturing stands as a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to delivering high-quality research papers and reviews in the field of additive manufacturing, serving both academia and industry leaders. The journal's objective is to recognize the innovative essence of additive manufacturing and its diverse applications, providing a comprehensive overview of current developments and future prospects.
The transformative potential of additive manufacturing technologies in product design and manufacturing is poised to disrupt traditional approaches. In response to this paradigm shift, a distinctive and comprehensive publication outlet was essential. Additive Manufacturing fulfills this need, offering a platform for engineers, materials scientists, and practitioners across academia and various industries to document and share innovations in these evolving technologies.