In this work, efforts have been put to explore an optimum technique for uniform and effective coating of zirconia (ZrO2) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets. ZrO2 coated rGO composites have been prepared through chemical precipitation and isothermal hydrolization techniques. Morphological characterizations (Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy) have proved that in chemical precipitation ZrO2 was agglomerated over the rGO surface and the coating was highly non-uniform. The presence of ZrO2 agglomerates reduces the effectiveness of coating, as observed through microstructural and thermal characterizations. Moreover, the increase in reaction time during isothermal hydrolization offers a more uniform coating and thus enhanced physical, structural and thermal properties. The effect of zirconia coating on charge transport capability of rGO, studied via cyclic voltammetry, also proves that isothermal hydrolization is better than conventional chemical precipitation technique for ceramic-coating on rGO. (C) 2016 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.