Dispersant effects on YSZ electrolyte characteristics for solid oxide fuel cells

The effects of three types of dispersants on nanometric electrolyte composed by 8 mol% yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ8 N) to SOFC application are studied. Terpineol, poly(ethylene) oxide, and soy lecithin were chosen to be tested. Zeta potential of particles was affected by the treatment with these dispersants. All dispersants increased the electric conductivity in comparison with non-treated YSZ8 N at all evaluated temperatures (700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C). Terpineol and lecithin were the most effective dispersants, increasing the electrical conductivity of YSZ8 N from 0.1 µS cm−1 to about 0.4 S cm−1at 1000 °C.