Electrical and mechanical properties of 25 wt% tetragonal/cubic zirconia based composite thin films prepared by combination of aqueous tape casting and net shape methods

Abstract

Yttria doped zirconia based are the most important solid electrolytes for high temperature solid oxide fuel cell application. In this study, the tetragonal/cubic zirconia composite thin films are prepared by combination of aqueous tape casting and net shape method. The phases and microstructure of the samples are studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope respectively. The microhardenss and toughness of thin films are measured by Vickers microhardness test. The nanohardness and Young’s modulus of the specimens are evaluated by nanoindentation method. The electrical conductivity is determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method. It is found that the composite electrolyte with 25 wt% of tetragonal phase content has improved mechanical and electrical properties at low temperatures and can be a suitable electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells.