Temperature-Dependent Phase Transitions of ZrO₂

The temperature-induced phase transition from monoclinic to tetragonal ZrO₂ is predicted from first principles calculations using a quasi-harmonic approach for the vibrational enthalpy and entropy. The computed transition temperature is within 15% of the experimental value. Relative trends due to vacancies, alloying elements, and mechanical stress can be expected to have a higher accuracy. The present results show the importance of thermal expansion, which is here also obtained from first principles.