Ionic conductivity of the yttria-stabilized-zirconia nanomaterials

Yttria-stabilized zirconia has practical applications as an oxide ion conductor in several electrochemical devices (e.g. SOFC). It's expected that a formation of zirconia nanomaterial allows to improve its electrical properties. The investigated nanomaterials were prepared by sintering of the filter-pressed zirconia nanopowders. SEM observations reveal uniform microstructure with isometric grains which sizes were from 90 to 300 nm depending on yttria content. Influence of the grain size on the bulk and grain boundary conductivity as well as on the respective activation energy was observed.