Preparation of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia by the Reverse Microemulsion Method and the Effect of Sc and Ce Doping on Microstructure and Ionic Conductivity for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

In this study, 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ), ceria-, and scandia-doped YSZ powders were synthesized by the reverse microemulsion method. The powders were calcined at 1000 degrees C and sintered at 1450 degrees C. The crystalline properties and microstructure of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and SEM methods, respectively. Oxygen ionic conductivities of the samples were measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 250-375 degrees C. Grain interior and grain boundary resistivities were also calculated. Particle sizes of YSZ and Sc-doped YSZ were found to be < 100 nm, while that of Ce-doped YSZ was 120-150 nm. Approximately 1 mu m grains were observed after sintering of YSZ at 1450 degrees C. Particularly, the grain boundary and also the grain interior resistivities decreased with 3% scandia-doped YSZ. It was observed that the total conductivity of 3YSZ was higher than that of 3% ceria-doped YSZ.