Electrical conductivity and defect structure of yttria-doped ceria-stabilized zirconia

The electrical property and defect structure of 12 m/o CeO2–ZrO2, which has been known for good mechanical and thermal properties, were studied in order to investigate the possibility of its use as a solid electrolyte for electrochemical device, like electrolyser, sensor and fuel cell. The electrical conductivity of 12 m/o CeO2–ZrO2 was greatly enhanced and electrolytic domain boundary (EDB) was also extended to low PO2 with yttria doping, which were readily comparable with those of commercial electrolyte, YSZ, CSZ. Unlike normal stabilized zirconia, saturation point of electrical conductivity appeared at higher doping concentration (12–15 m/o yttria) and the activation energy was not also changed seriously with doping till 15 m/o yttria doping.