Work

Innovative synthesis and performance enhancement of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanocrystals via hydrothermal method with Uncaria gambir Roxb. leaf extract as a capping agent

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a ceramic material with versatile applications, yet its synthesis and performance improvements remain essential. This study introduces an innovative hydrothermal synthesis method with pH control and Uncaria gambir Roxb. leaf extract as a bio-capping agent for YSZ nanocrystals with the composition Zr 0.92 Y 0.08 O 1.96 . Structural analysis revealed that the capping agent led to a single-phase cubic structure, enhancing YSZ stability and performance. Scanning electron micrographs showed improved particle homogeneity and reduced agglomeration in the presence of the bio-capping agent. Infrared spectroscopy highlighted the vibrational features of YSZ, including O–Y–O and Zr(Y)–O bonds. The bio-capping agent significantly affected YSZ ionic conductivity and activation energy for ionic migration. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing Uncaria gambir Roxb. leaf extract as a bio-capping agent to enhance the structural stability and ionic conductivity of YSZ nanocrystals, with implications for applications in solid oxide fuel cells and other ionic transport systems.

Source: Kuwait Journal of Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.kjs.2024.100342