Synthesis and physicochemical properties of a solid oxide nanocomposite based on a ZrO2–Y2O3–Gd2O3–MgO system

A highly dispersive powder with a (ZrO 2 ) 0.92 (Y 2 O 3 ) 0.03 (Gd 2 O 3 ) 0.03 (MgO) 0.02 composition and specific surface area of 150 m 2 /g has been synthesized via a method of coprecipitation of hydroxides with the subsequent cryochemical treatment of the gel. Nanoceramics based on the cubic modification of zirconium dioxide with the grain size of ~40–45 nm have been obtained. The temperature dependence of the specific electrical conductance of the nanoceramics within a temperature range of 350–870°C in air has been studied, and the ratio of the ionic and electronic parts of the conductance has been determined. Recommendations for the use of the obtained oxide nanocomposite as an electrolyte for a high-temperature fuel cell have been given.