Mechanical Properties of 8 Mole% Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

Both high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength are important when considering the potential application of ceramics in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Yttria stabilised zirconia compounds can be used as both the electrolyte and anode support structure in self supporting SOFC and as a result, there is great interest in the development of these materials. The high ionic conductivity of an 8 mol% Y2O3 ZrO2 formulation, must be combined with suitable mechanical hardness and toughness, in order to qualify for SOFC application. The availability of suitable materials has been limited with the majority of suppliers having only small scale manufacturing capability. This study has investigated the physical and mechanical properties of a commercially available ZrO2(Y2O3)0.08 ceramic,. The product was found to contain only the cubic phase and possess the necessary structural characteristics for use in solid oxide fuel cells.