Relation between powder size and electrolyte properties in nano YSZ system

YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia) electrolyte properties made from different sizes of nano powders were investigated. As a result, the sample marked KD with the smallest size (10 nm) of first particles and the sample marked TH with narrow distribution and the smallest median diameter M_med of 0.49 μm have the best sintering properties and the highest electrical conductivity. There is a very well correlation between the density and the electrical conductivity of YSZ, that is, the samples with a higher density have a higher electrical conductivity. The area resistance of YSZ electrolyte made in the experiment, such as TH of 0.483 Ω·cm², is much lower than that of the sample D of 1.300 Ω·cm² made in Germany at 850℃. The complex resistance of YSZ electrolyte made in the experiment at the grain, grain boundary and electrode in the range of 300-750℃ decreases greatly compared to the sample made in Germany by shown in the complex impedance plot.