zirconate

Zirconate is a term used for compounds that contain zirconium in combination with oxygen, typically forming zirconium-oxygen frameworks and their salts or esters. In basic aqueous solution, zirconium can form tetra-oxo species such as ZrO4^4−, and salts of these oxoanions are described as zirconates. The class also includes solid oxides and mixed-metal compounds in which zirconium sits in an oxide lattice, such as perovskite-structured materials.

Structure and properties often reflect the high charge and strong Zr–O bonds. In solid form, many zirconates adopt framework or perovskite-like structures, with zirconium in octahedral coordination to oxygen. These materials can show diverse electrical and catalytic properties depending on composition and dopants. Zirconates are typically white to pale-colored powders and are relatively high-melting.

Preparation methods vary. They can be prepared by reacting zirconium sources with alkali bases to form alkali zirconates, by hydrolysis or condensation of zirconium alkoxides, or by solid-state reactions of zirconia with alkali oxides or carbonates. Doping or forming mixed oxides yields a wide range of compositions tailored for specific applications.

Applications span ceramics, catalysis, and energy technologies. Zirconates and zirconate-based ceramics (for example, BaZrO3, SrZrO3) serve as dielectric materials and, when doped, as proton-conducting electrolytes for solid-oxide fuel cells. They are also used as precursors in the preparation of zirconium-containing coatings, glasses, and catalytic supports. In summary, zirconates comprise a versatile family of zirconium-oxygen compounds with broad material science relevance.