| Catalogue Code | IN-YSZ |
| CAS No. | 114168-16-0 |
| Chemical Formula | 3mol%Y2O3/97mol%ZrO2 (3YSZ) |
| Compound Name | Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia |
| Surface Area (m2/g) | 10-15 |
| Particle size d50 (μm) | <0.5 |
| Purity (%) | >=99.9 |
| Customization Available | YSZ (Custom Composition) |
Introduction
Yttria-stabilized zirconia 3mol%Y2O3/97mol%ZrO2 (3YSZ) is a crucial electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to its excellent ionic conductivity at high temperatures. YSZ is formed by doping zirconia (ZrO₂) with yttria (Y₂O₃), which stabilizes its cubic crystal structure, enhancing its ability to conduct oxygen ions and improving fuel cell efficiency. The purity of YSZ is vital for optimal performance; high-purity YSZ (typically 99.95% to 99.999%) ensures uniform film deposition and improves conductivity while reducing the risk of impurities that can degrade fuel cell performance. YSZ’s thermal stability and resistance to corrosion under extreme conditions make it ideal for long-term use in high-temperature fuel cells, helping to advance clean energy technologies.
Properties of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
The properties of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia are as follows:
| Properties | Details |
| Appearance | Powder |
| Molar Mass | ~349.03 g/mol |
| Thermal Conductivity | Moderate (~2.3 W/m·K) |
| Melting Point | > 2600 °C |
| Density | 6.10 g/cm3 |
Applications
- Due to its superior ionic conductivity and thermal stability, yttria-stabilized zirconia is the most widely utilized electrolyte in SOFCs. Optimizing specific YSZ compositions will yield enhanced conductivity, especially at the lower temperature range (500–700°C), to improve efficiency and thus reduce the cost of SOFCs.
- Custom YSZ can enhance the mechanical properties of SOFCs by improving their thermal stability and reducing the mismatch in thermal expansion with other components, such as the anode or cathode. This means enhanced long-term performance and durability.
- Modifying the composition of YSZ can enhance its ability to operate at lower temperatures, thus reducing the system’s wear and tear and making SOFCs more feasible for small-scale and portable applications.
- Specific dopants in YSZ can minimize the impact of material degradation, such as sintering and phase transformation, thereby increasing the total life of SOFCs.
- Custom YSZ compositions in anode-supported SOFCs, such as Ni-YSZ cermet, can optimize the anode’s performance by improving its electrochemical properties and avoiding the negative impacts of coking or sulfur poisoning.
FAQs
Answer: YSZ acts as an electrolyte in a fuel cell. It enables the passage of oxygen ions from the cathode to the anode while restricting the flow of electrons. This process thus allows the electrochemical reaction to produce electricity. Ionic conductivity is crucial for the efficient functioning of the fuel cell material.
Answer: Custom compositions of YSZ can be developed through doping with other materials (for example, cerium, gadolinium, or calcium) to enhance ionic conductivity, reduce thermal expansion, or increase resistance to material degradation. This contributes toward improving the performance and lifetime of fuel cells, mainly in low-temperature operations or longer lifetimes.
Answer: Similar materials comprise magnesia-stabilized zirconia, calcium-stabilized zirconia, and ceria-stabilized zirconia with similar properties and uses.
Answer: Although YSZ is a non-toxic stable material, the overall production process and sourcing of raw materials for that material should be managed appropriately to have minimal environmental impact. The guidelines regarding material handling also require scrutiny of discrepancies between them and regulations.
sachin
Great Materials product here ..thnx