Work

Sintering of high-density BaHf1–xScxO3–δ ceramics for proton-conducting electrochemical cells

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Proton-conducting ceramics with high density exhibit superior mechanical and functional properties, which is crucial for electrochemical applications. However, most proton-conducting oxides, especially BaHfO3-based perovskites, have poor sinterability due to their highly refractory nature. Thus, the objective of this study is to develop a method for producing high-density BaHf1–xScxO3–δ ceramics. Various approaches were investigated, including the addition of a sintering aid, conventional sintering, two-step sintering, and the use of mixtures of coarse and fine powders. The analysis of the density and microstructure of the sintered ceramics revealed the most effective method for producing dense BaHf1–xScxO3–δ ceramics. Unlike conventional high-temperature sintering, this method involves isostatic pressing of the samples, the introduction of a sintering additive (ZnO), and a two-step sintering process. The ceramics obtained through this method exhibit a density that approaches 99 % of X-ray density.

Source: Electrochemical Materials and Technologies

DOI: 10.15826/elmattech.2026.5.067

Authors: Valentina B. Balakireva, Nikita M. Filatov, Tamara A. Kuznetsova, Alexander A. Pankratov, Alexander D. Koryakov, Liliya A. Dunyushkina

Institutions: Institute of High Temperature Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Solid State Chemistry, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Advancements in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences