Effect of BaOB2O3 composite sintering aid on sinterability and electrical property of BaZr0.85Y0.15O3-δ ceramic

Yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BZY) has been extensively studied as a promising electrolyte material for protonic ceramic fuel cells . However, inferior sinterability is a major barrier in BZY development. In our research, the effect of BaO B 2 O 3 composite sintering aid on the sintering behavior and electrical property of BaZr 0.85 Y 0.15 O 3- δ (BZY15) are examined. BaO B 2 O 3 addition reduces the sintering temperature of BZY15 by approximately 200 °C via the liquid-phase sintering mechanism. The corresponding bulk and grain boundary conductivities are prominently improved (<3 wt% BaO B 2 O 3 addition), whereas the further addition of sintering aid decreases the grain boundary conductivity. Notably, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses suggest that the enhanced conductivity may be related to the temperature dependence of Ba evaporation.