Polycrystalline H3O+-yttrium silicate

Na5YSi4O12(NYS) polycristals were made using spray-dried powders. A series of NYS discs were ion-exchanged using KCl/NaCl mixtures to form precursos KNYS. These samples were H3O+-exchanged using constant potential and the resultant HNYS discs were then used to electrolyse steam at 100 degC. SEM analysis of the original NYS sinters revealed glassy inclusions and these were hypothesised as the cause of electrolyte deterioration occasionally observed during the ion-exchange process. (author). 18 ref.; 8 figs.; 2 tabs