The effect of Bi2 O3 on the electrical properties of Zr O2:3 wt% Mg O ceramic solid electrolytes

Electrical conductivity measurements have been carried out in the 4000 C-7000 C temperature range in Zr Oz:3 wt% Mg O ceramic solid electrolytes with 5 wt% Bi2 Os additions. All specimens were prepared by pressing followed by thermal treatments at 8000 C/1 h and 11500 C/3 h. Microstructural characterization have been done by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analyses. The results show that 5 wt% Bi2 O3 addition improves densification: 93% TD and 98% TD specimens are obtained from zirconia stabilized by powder mixture and by coprecipitation of oxides, respectively. Moreover, electrical conductivity values are found to be two orders of magnitude higher for Zr O2:3 wt% Mg O with 5 wt% Bi2 O3 addition. (author)