Preparation and characterization of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous yttria-stabilized zirconia by aqueous organic gel route

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3-DOM) yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was prepared by aqueous organic gel method through the interstitial spaces between polystyrene spheres assembled on glass substrates. The morphologies and pore size of the porous YSZ were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption. The thermal behavior, the phase and chemical composition of PS/YSZ composite were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that porous YSZ has been formed with the pores arranged in an ordered close-packed three-dimensional structure. Ni/YSZ cermet was also prepared by immersing the 3-DOM YSZ into the solution of nickel nitrate and urea. The electrical conductivity of Ni/YSZ was about 400 S cm−1 between 600 and 800 °C.