Zr O2:La2 O3 ceramic solid electrolytes

Zirconia-lanthania solid electrolytes have been obtained by the citrate route. The ceramic powders have been calcined at 10000 C/1 h, uniaxially pressed at 150 MPa and isostatically at 200 MPa, and sintered at 15000 C and 16500 C. The powders have been analysed by sedigraphy and the solid electrolyte pellets by X-ray diffractometry, SEM and impedance spectroscopy (5-13 MHz frequency range) in the 3000 C to 7000 C temperature range. Powders with 0.8 μm average particle size of partially stabilized zirconia have been obtained. The enhancement of the ionic conductivity along with the X-ray results show that the stabilization of zirconia has been attained. (author). 10 refs., 4 figs