Synthesis of nickel oxide/zirconia powders via a modified Pechini method

NiO/YSZ powders as precursors for anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells were synthesized by a modified Pechini method. The effect of different chelating agents, e.g., ascorbic and citric acid, on the thermal decomposition of gels and on the morphology of final products, was studied. Thermal decompositions of the obtained gels were completed at around 700 °C. The grain size of the prepared materials was in the nanometre range but they grouped into larger agglomerates with sizes in the range from 14.9 to 8.6 μm. After ball milling in ethanol, the size of these agglomerates was reduced by around 60%. Sintering temperature as low as 1300 °C could be attained. A correlation between the metal ion concentration and the temperature of maximum shrinkage rate was established. The results show that the powders prepared with ascorbic acid could be used for preparation of SOFC anodes.