Preparation and electrical properties of a monophasic ZrO2Y2O3Bi2O3 solid electrolyte

A preparation method is described of monophasic yttria stabilized zirconia doped with Bi₂O₃. This material is prepared from a homogeneous power which, after pressing, is sintered in a Bi₂O₃ atmosphere. The resulting ceramic has a composition of 0.78rO₂-0.206 YO_1.5-0.014BiO_1.5. The grain boundaries are enriched with bismuth. A relative density of 95% of the theoretical one is attained at a considerably lower temperature than the bismuth free sample. The electrical conductivities of the monophasic Bi doped and the Bi-free electrolyte material do not differ significantly.