The synthesis and sintering behaviour of BaZr0.9Y0.1O3−δ powders prepared by spray pyrolysis

• Published in: Journal of the European Ceramic Society Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 697 - 702
• Main Authors: Stuart, Paul A., Unno, Toshiyuki, Ayres-Rocha, Renata, Djurado, Elisabeth, Skinner, Stephen J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 01-03-2009
• Subjects: Chemical Sciences; Material chemistry; Spray pyrolysis; Proton conductor; Sintering; BaZrO3-Y
• ISSN: 0955-2219; 1873-619X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2008.07.004

Powders of BaZr0.9Y0.1O3-delta (BZY10) were synthesised by spray pyrolysis from nitrate salt solutions. Differences in the powders produced were explored when the concentration of solution, atomisation frequency, aerosol flow rate and furnace temperature were varied. XRD was used to determine that powders produced using a furnace temperature of 800 C were of single phase. Powder that was produced using a higher atomisation frequency and a lower salt solution concentration resulted in a favourable particle size distribution and morphology for sintering. A density of approximately 91% of theoretical was achieved by sintering at 1500 C for 1 h in flowing air, significantly higher than is achieved with commercial BZY10 powders using these conditions. This constitutes a significant lowering of the sintering temperature of this oxide.