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High Temperature Fabrication of Nanostructured Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia YSZ Scaffolds by In Situ Carbon Templating Xerogels
Published on: April 16, 2017
11.2K
Graphene/Zirconia Composites for Components in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Microstructure and Electrical Conductivity.
Francisco J Coto-Ruiz1,2, Ana de la Cruz-Blanco1,2, Rocío Moriche2
1Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Sevilla (ICMS), CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 12, 2025
Summary
Yttria-stabilized zirconia composites with reduced graphene oxide exhibit tunable electrical properties. These advanced materials show potential for solid oxide fuel cell components, depending on graphene content.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Ceramic Engineering
Background:
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a key material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).
- Graphene incorporation can modify ceramic properties, but its effect on YSZ electrical behavior requires detailed investigation.
- Understanding the interplay between graphene content, crystallinity, and microstructure is crucial for optimizing composite performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrical properties of 8 mol% yttria cubic stabilized zirconia (8YCSZ) composites with varying reduced graphene oxide (rGO) content.
- To correlate electrical properties with rGO content, crystallinity, and microstructural features.
- To assess the potential of these composites for SOFC applications.
Main Methods:
- Spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used to consolidate 8YCSZ/rGO composites up to 10 vol% rGO.
- In situ reduction of graphene oxide (GO) during SPS was achieved.
- Electrical properties were analyzed using impedance spectroscopy up to 700 °C.
Main Results:
- Highly densified composites with homogeneous rGO distribution were obtained.
- Impedance spectroscopy revealed inductive responses for 5 and 10 vol% rGO composites and capacitive responses for 1 and 2.5 vol% rGO composites.
- Polarization mechanisms at grain boundaries and a minor electronic conductivity below the percolation threshold were identified.
Conclusions:
- The electrical properties of 8YCSZ/rGO composites are significantly influenced by graphene content and its interaction with the zirconia matrix.
- These composites demonstrate potential for SOFC applications, functioning as electrolytes or ceramic interconnects based on rGO concentration.
- The study highlights the tunability of electrical properties in YSZ-graphene systems for energy applications.
