Effects of Microwave Processing on the Properties of Nickel Oxide/Zirconia/Ceria Composites

Abstract

The effect of a microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MWH) treatment on the structural, thermal, and electrical properties of NiO/ZrO2:8 mol%Y2O3(YSZ)/CeO2 (60/20/20 wt.%) composite was investigated. Powders were synthesized by a hydroxide coprecipitation-impregnation technique, in which Ni and Ce oxides were coprecipitaed in a suspension containing YSZ. Simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis revealed that MWH treatment promotes the crystallization of coprecipitated phases. X-ray diffraction analysis was used for phase identification and the calculated lattice parameters indicated the formation of YSZ:CeO2 solid solution during sintering. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the electrical properties of the composite samples were not significantly affected by the MHW.