Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), sometimes known as zirconia, is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium. It can be used in oxygen sensors and fuel cell membranes because it has the ability to allow oxygen ions to move freely through the crystal structure at high temperatures. The ionic radius of Zr is 0.079 nm, and the ionic radius of Cl is 0.140 nm. What is the coordination number of ZrO2?a. 3b. 6c. 4

The coordination number of ZrO₂ = 6

Explanation:

A crystal structure is determined by the ratio of ionic radii of the positive and negative ions present in the crystal.

The  ratio of the radii of the positive(cations) and negative(anions) is called the limiting radius ratio and it gives the coordination number of the crystal.

Limiting radius ratio = radius of cation/radius of anion

For ZrO₂:

radius of Zr ion (Zr⁴⁺) = 0.079 nm; radius of O ion (O²⁻) = 0.140 nm

Limiting radius ratio = 0.079 nm/0.140 nm = 0.564

From tables, when the limiting radius ratio value is between 0.414 - 0.732, the coordination number is six and the shape of the crystal is octahedral.

Therefore, the coordination number of ZrO₂ = 6