The synthesis and sintering behaviour of BaZr0.9Y0.1O3−δ powders prepared by spray pyrolysis

Powders of BaZr0.9Y0.1O3−δ (BZY10) were synthesised by spray pyrolysis from nitrate salt solutions for the first time. Differences in the powders produced were explored when the concentration of solution, atomisation frequency, aerosol flow rate and furnace temperature were varied. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) was used to determine that powders produced using a furnace temperature of 800 °C were of single phase. Powder that was produced using a higher atomisation frequency and a lower salt solution concentration resulted in a favourable particle size distribution and morphology for sintering. A density of approximately 91% of the theoretical density (TD) was achieved by sintering at 1500 °C for 1 h in flowing air, significantly higher than is achieved with commercial BZY10 powders using these conditions. This constitutes a significant lowering of the sintering temperature of this oxide.