ZrO2x

ZrO2x is a shorthand notation sometimes used to represent zirconium dioxide, also known as zirconia. Zirconium dioxide has the chemical formula ZrO2. The "x" in ZrO2x is often employed in contexts where there might be slight deviations from the perfect stoichiometric ratio of zirconium to oxygen, or when discussing non-stoichiometric forms of the material. These non-stoichiometric compositions can arise during synthesis or under certain operating conditions and can significantly influence the material's properties.

Zirconia is a highly refractory ceramic material, meaning it can withstand very high temperatures. It is known for its exceptional hardness, strength, and resistance to chemical attack. These properties make it valuable in a wide range of applications. It is used in dental restorations, as a thermal barrier coating in jet engines and gas turbines, in high-performance ceramics, and as a solid electrolyte in oxygen sensors and fuel cells. The precise electrical and mechanical properties of zirconia can be tailored by doping it with other elements, such as yttrium (yttria-stabilized zirconia) or calcium. The stability of zirconia also depends on its crystallographic phase, which can be cubic, tetragonal, or monoclinic, and is influenced by temperature and composition.