3YSZ electrolyte powder is a partially stabilised zirconia engineered for the demanding ionic-conduction and mechanical requirements of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolytes. Formulated at 3 mol% Y2O3 in 97 mol% ZrO2, this submicron, high-purity powder combines robust oxygen-ion conductivity at elevated temperature with the transformation-toughened mechanical strength needed for thin, anode-supported electrolyte layers. Its fine particle size and controlled surface area make it readily processable by tape casting, screen printing, and co-firing into dense, gas-tight ceramic membranes. Backed by rigorous quality control and batch-to-batch consistency, it is trusted by fuel cell developers, ceramic engineers, and materials researchers building the next generation of clean, efficient power generation.
Introduction to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte Powder
3YSZ (3 mol% Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia, 3Y-TZP) is a partially stabilized zirconia ceramic in which Y₂O₃ substitution introduces oxygen vacancies that suppress the destructive tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformation of pure ZrO₂. Unlike fully stabilised cubic YSZ, the metastable tetragonal phase in 3YSZ can transform locally under applied stress, producing transformation toughening that increases fracture toughness and resistance to crack propagation. The associated oxygen vacancies also enable oxide-ion transport at elevated temperatures, although with lower ionic conductivity than higher-yttria compositions such as 8YSZ. Supplied as a submicron powder with controlled surface area, 3YSZ supports uniform slurry preparation, tape casting, screen printing, and dense co-sintering. It is used in tough structural ceramics, thin SOFC electrolyte layers, dental ceramics, wear components, and thermal-cycling-resistant ceramic systems.
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.
Introduction to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte Powder
3YSZ (3 mol% Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia, 3Y-TZP) is a partially stabilized zirconia ceramic in which Y₂O₃ substitution introduces oxygen vacancies that suppress the destructive tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformation of pure ZrO₂. Unlike fully stabilised cubic YSZ, the metastable tetragonal phase in 3YSZ can transform locally under applied stress, producing transformation toughening that increases fracture toughness and resistance to crack propagation. The associated oxygen vacancies also enable oxide-ion transport at elevated temperatures, although with lower ionic conductivity than higher-yttria compositions such as 8YSZ. Supplied as a submicron powder with controlled surface area, 3YSZ supports uniform slurry preparation, tape casting, screen printing, and dense co-sintering. It is used in tough structural ceramics, thin SOFC electrolyte layers, dental ceramics, wear components, and thermal-cycling-resistant ceramic systems.
Key Properties of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte Powder
Property
Value
Significance
Ionic Conductivity
~1×10^-2 S/cm at 800-1000 degC (somewhat below fully cubic 8YSZ)
Enables oxygen-ion transport from cathode to anode at SOFC operating temperature
Particle Size (D50)
< 0.5 µm (submicron); nano grades 30-60 nm
Fine particle size promotes densification and defect-free tape casting/screen printing
Surface Area (BET)
10-15 m2/g
Higher reactivity and sinterability at lower processing temperatures
Purity
>=99.9%
Minimises grain-boundary segregation of silica/alkali impurities that block ionic conduction
Density (theoretical)
6.10 g/cm3
Governs achievable sintered/gas-tight density of the fired electrolyte film
CAS Number
113482-02-3
Identifies the specific 3 mol% Y2O3/97 mol% ZrO2 (3YSZ) composition
Enables stress-induced transformation toughening for higher fracture toughness
Melting Point
> 2600 degC
Provides wide thermal processing window for high-temperature sintering and co-firing
Types & Grades of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte Powder
Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte powder is offered in standard catalogue grades and particle size distributions, with custom purity, morphology, and packaging available for OEM and R&D use.
Grade / Form
Typical Purity
Key Features / Uses
3YSZ (3 mol% Y2O3) electrolyte grade
>=99.9%
Tetragonal, partially-stabilised; highest fracture toughness, used for thin anode-supported electrolyte films
8YSZ (8 mol% Y2O3) fully-stabilized grade
>=99.9%
Fully cubic fluorite structure; higher, more isotropic ionic conductivity, standard for electrolyte-supported cells
Submicron standard grade (D50 <0.5 µm)
99.5-99.9%
General-purpose tape casting and screen printing feedstock
Nano-grade powder (D50 30-60 nm)
>=99.9%
Enhanced sinterability at reduced firing temperature; thin-film and sputtering target precursor
Custom co-doped YSZ (Sc-, Ce-modified)
Custom on request
Tailored ionic conductivity or toughness for specialised R&D and stack development
Applications of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte Powder
Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte powder supports demanding roles across research and production applications where this material’s specific structural, electronic, magnetic, or electrochemical properties are the key requirement.
Stress-induced tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformation imparts high fracture toughness
Why Partner with Infinita Materials?
Technical Depth: in-house quality control with ICP-MS and XRF purity verification, particle size distribution and density measurement, and full certificates of analysis on every lot.
Global Logistics: reliable supply from single R&D-scale quantities to production-line volumes, with established international shipping.
Responsive Support: direct access to materials engineers for grade, particle size, and packaging selection, and process-compatibility questions.
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Infinita Materials manufactures Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ) Electrolyte powder engineered to the purity, particle size, and morphology your process requires. Whether the requirement is a standard catalogue grade or a custom particle size distribution, purity, or packaging format, our team can help match the right specification to your process. Request a quote or speak with our technical team to discuss your material specification.
Other Related Product to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (3YSZ)
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.
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.
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.
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