Microstructure of Yttria-Doped Ceria as a Function of Oxalate Co-Precipitation Synthesis Conditions

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In sodium fast reactors (SFR), dissolved oxygen in sodium can be monitored via potentiometric sensors with an yttria-doped thoria electrolyte. Yttria-doped ceria (YDC) was chosen as a surrogate material to validate the process of such sensors. The material must exhibit high density and a fine grain microstructure to be resistant to the corrosion by liquid sodium and thermal shocks. Thus, the oxalic co-precipitation route was chosen to avoid milling steps that could bring impurity incorporation which is suspected to induce grain boundary corrosion in sodium. The powder and sintered pellets examination show that the synthesis conditions are of primary importance on the process yield, the oxalate powder microstructure and, eventually, on the ceramic density and microstructure. The impurity content was limited by controlling the synthesis, calcination, and sintering steps.