Effect of Decomposition on the Densification and Properties of Nasicon Ceramic Electrolytes

Nasicon ceramic electrolytes were processed and characterized using a number of different techniques. The materials were sintered at T = 1100°C to 1375°C. Results of this work demonstrate that Nasicon ceramics with compositions around x =2 (i.e. Na3Zr2Si2POt2), are not monophase, possess poor mechanical strength and an anomalous thermal expansion behavior, and are subject to chemical and phase instability during densification at high temperatures. Wet‐chemical techniques, X‐ray diffraction, and SEM analyses were used to observe the phase and chemical decomposition of these materials. The products of this decomposition process are correlated with the poor physical properties.