Synthesis of zirconium(IV) oxyacrylate complexes with polypyridine ligands and their use as precursors of nanomaterials with antiwear properties

In the present work, complexes of zirconium(IV) oxyacrylate with polypyridine ligands 2,2’-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 4’-phenyl-2,2’:6’,2’’-terpyridine were obtained for the first time and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermolysis of these complexes at 600 °C made it possible to obtain nanosized zirconium oxides, which were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The average crystallite size of the obtained zirconium oxide nanoparticles is 5.63 – 6.06 nm. Zirconium oxide nanoparticles are characterized by spherical and oval shapes. The products have been tested as anti-wear additives in lubricating oils. The optimal concentrations of nanoparticles were determined, at which the antiwear properties of the lubricant are best manifested.