Conductive Ceramics

Although ceramics typically are resistive materials, Yttria Fully Stabilized Zirconia exhibit outstanding ionic conduction properties. Yttria Fully Stabilized Zirconia frequently are used as electrolyte in oxygen sensors (lambda probe) or for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) applications due to their high oxygen ion conduction at elevated temperatures (>300°C). Stabilized-zirconium dioxide-based electrolyte also exhibits high mechanical properties, gas tightness, low electronic conduction and chemical stability in both oxidant and reductive atmospheres.

Solid Oxide Cells

In SOFCs, hydrogen-rich gas electrochemically reacts with oxygen at high temperatures (700°C-900°C) to produce electricity and water. 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconias, are generally used as the electrolyte thanks to their excellent ionic conduction at high temperature.

3 mol% yttria stabilized zirconias, are widely used for SOFC electrodes due to their excellent mechanical properties.

In SOEC, the opposite reaction takes place and H₂ is produced from electricity and water. In a similar manner, 8YZ and 3YZ powders are used for the preparation of electrolytes and electrodes respectively.

Schema of Electrolyte, fuel electrode and air electrode

Conductive_Ceramics_Zirconia_Lambda_Probe compressed

Zirconia-based oxygen sensors

Oxygen sensors increasingly are used in automotive applications for monitoring oxygen concentration in exhaust gas to optimize internal combustion engine operation, lower fuel consumption and better control exhaust emissions.

Oxygen sensors also are used in industries for process control, especially in processes dealing with high temperature.

Specifically designed for oxygen sensor applications, CY5Z powders can be supplied without binders (CY5Z grades) for tape casting manufacturing or with binders for pressing (GY5Z-N60 grade).

Conductive Ceramics

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