Structural and Electrical Analysis of Microwave Processed YSZ Electrolytes for SOFC Prepared by Co-precipitation Method

摘要

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of microwave energy on the structural and electrical properties of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Five different compositions of Zr1?xYxO2?x/2(x?=?0.06–0.14) were prepared by a co-precipitation method and were then sintered by microwave as well as conventional heating at 1400°C for 20?min and 240?min, respectively. The structural and electrical properties of the samples sintered by both the methods were compared. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that YSZ samples sintered by both methods had either a tetragonal crystal structure or a cubic structure depending on its composition. Almost the same degree of densification as well as conductivity of same order was found from impedance analysis for both microwave- and conventionally sintered YSZ products, which showed that microwave sintering is the better alternative for material processing in terms of saving energy and time without compromising the product quality.]]>