One‐pot synthesis, characterization, and ceramization of a soluble benzene‐bridged poly(zirconoxane) for ZrC nanoceramic

Abstract In the present work, a single‐source precursor for the production of ZrC was successfully synthesized via a straightforward one‐pot strategy using zirconium n‐propoxide [Zr(OPr) 4 ], acetylacetone (Acac), and 1,4‐dihydroxybenzene (DHB) as raw materials, with Acac acting as a ligand and DHB as a bridging unit. By adjusting the amount of benzene rings from DHB in the precursor, the free carbon content in the resulting ceramic is precisely controlled. Besides, DHB effects the ceramic yield of the precursor as well as the phase composition and grain size of the resulting ZrC ceramic. The single‐source precursor first transforms into ZrO 2 at 600°C and fully converts into ZrC@C nanoceramic with a core–shell structure at 1400°C. The synthetic route is straightforward, the single‐source precursor exhibits excellent solubility and air stability, and the ceramic yield at 1400°C reaches up to 45.7%. These advantages make the precursor promising for ceramic matrix composites fabrication via the polymer infiltration and pyrolysis method.