Synthesis and characterization of pure tetragonal nanocrystalline sulfated 8YSZ powder by sol–gel route

YSZ nanocrystals were synthesized by sol–gel method in basic condition (pH = 10). Then, they were modified by sulfate ions using the sulfating agent of sulfuric acid (H2SO4 0.5 M). The synthesized samples showed pure tetragonal phase and the high temperature of 900 °C. Modifying Zirconia by both of sulfate ions and yttria significantly increased the stability of tetragonal phase, compared with zirconia modified by either yttria or sulfating ions. XRD, TEM, SEM, FT-IR, and PL analyses have been used to characterize the nanocrystals. All the analyses showed that small size and fairly uniform particles were generated in a range of 10 to 35 nm.

Graphical abstractYSZ nanocrystals modified by sulfate ions were synthesized using the sulfating agent of sulfuric acid (H2SO4 0.5 M) by sol–gel method in basic condition (pH = 10). The synthesized samples showed pure tetragonal phase and the high temperature of 900 °C. XRD, TEM, SEM, FT-IR, and PL analyses showed that small size and fairly uniform particles were generated in a range of 10 to 35 nm.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Sulfated YSZ has been prepared with the stability of tetragonal phase at 900 °C. ► The presence of yttria and sulfate can delay the formation of the monoclinic phase. ► Pure YSZ had a predominant cubic and low percentage of monoclinic phase at 900 °C.