Homogeneous precipitation synthesis and electrical properties of scandia stabilized zirconia

Homogeneous precipitation employing urea was utilized to prepare ultrafine and weakly-agglomerated 8 mol% scandia-stabilized zirconia (8ScSZ) powders. Their crystal structure, particle and electrical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetry and differential thermal analysis, BET surface area analysis, and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. 8ScSZ polycrystals in a pure cubic phase were obtained after sintering at a low temperature of 600 °C. Elevating sintering temperature can increase the oxide ion conductivity, especially the grain boundary conductivity.