Ceria-yttria-stabilized zirconia composite ceramic systems for applications as low-temperature electrolytes

Abstract

Ceramic samples of Ce1-xGdxO2-y and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were prepared using solid-state methods. Polished faces of disks of these materials were held in intimate contact in a reaction cell at temperatures ranging from 1000 degrees to 1300 degrees C for durations up to 72 h. XRD, SEM, and microprobe Raman techniques were used to analyze the resulting reactions and ion diffusion. No reaction was observed at 1000 degrees C after 72 h between the 10-mol%- and 20-mol%-Gd-doped CeO2 and the YSZ. However, at 1300 degrees C, a mixing region 25 mu m wide occurred, resulting in a cubic phase, where Zr4+ ions diffused into the CeO2.