Controlled formation of highly ordered cubic and hexagonal mesoporous nanocrystalline yttria-zirconia and ceria-zirconia thin films exhibiting high thermal stability

Yttria-zirconia and ceria-zirconia mesoporous thin films adopt either a cubic or 2D hexagonal mesostructure (see picture) depending on the quantity of water employed during the post-processing of the films. The hexagonal films are thermally stable above 400°C, while the cubic forms retain their integrity up to 700°C; both forms continue to be porous at temperatures as high as 800°C. Such robust and easily prepared crystalline materials may have many useful applications, for example, in the design of sensors, electrode materials, and catalysts.