Zirconia-based solid electrolyte obtained by tape casting

Abstract

The possibility of using tape casting to produce solid electrolyte films with a thickness of 100–300 μm from zirconia stabilized with oxides of scandium and cerium is considered. A method of slip casting onto a moving tape is used to produce rather thin ceramic sheets with a thickness of less than 1 mm. An organic slip based on azeotropic mixture of isopropyl alcohol and methyl ethyl ketone is used in the present work. The effect of solvents on the properties of the obtained film and sintered ceramic is analyzed. Dibutylphthalate, polyethylene glycol, and benzyl butylphthalate are used as plasticizers. The effectiveness of these plasticizers is based on the possibility of producing a slip with a viscosity of 2000–4000 mPa s by using them. Polyvinyl butyral appears to be the most optimal temporary binder, because it is satisfactorily removed in a continuous mode of annealing of plated ceramic blanks. The maximum density of ceramic plates is achieved at the annealing temperature of 1500°C. It is shown that the working range of the obtained solid electrolyte is 800–850°C, as the maximum ionic conductivity (more than 0.15 Ω−1 cm−1) is registered in it.