Synthesis of ZrO_2-Based Ceramics for Applications in SOFC

摘要

A process for synthesis of ZrO_2 based ceramics by coprecipitation, for application in solid oxide fuel cell is described. Precursors preparation, precipitate treatment by azeotropic distillation and ceramic processing are also presented. Zirconia powders containing 3 and 9 mol% of Y_2O_3 and other additives such as TiO_2 were prepared, pressed by uniaxial compaction and sintered at 1500℃ for one hour. The apparent densities of the pellets produced were determined by an immersion technique based on the Archimedes principles. Ceramics crystal structure was verified by X-ray diffraction, their microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition was analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that the ceramic bodies are dense with fine grains and the titania addition causes grain growth and, above the solubility limit, a formation of a second phase.