Eutectic structure evolution of Al2O3-ZrO2-Y2O3 system for potential hybrid solar cell application

Abstract

Ternary Al₂O₃-ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ samples with a eutectic composition were prepared by slow cooling. The microstructural evolution was observed with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The SEM observation of the ternary samples agreed with the XRD with a completion of crystallisation by slow cooling. The target materials commonly have ‘cantaloupe skin’ microstructures as shown in the previous studies by Han et al. The nanocomposite may have experienced different cooling rates with two different microstructures, near the surface having experienced optimal conditions for the eutectic reaction during their cooling and thus formed the eutectic microstructure, near the centre having experienced a slower cooling rate. The crystallised eutectic ternary Al₂O₃-ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ system had three different phases with a 3Y₂O₃-5Al₂O₃ (yttrium-aluminium garnet phase), an alumina phase formed by the eutectic reaction, and a solid solution of ZrO₂ and Y₂O₃.