BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δ (BZY20) proton conductors have been investigated as electrolyte materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The BZY20 powders were synthesized by both a citrate/ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid complexing method and a glycine nitrate process, and then sintered by pulsed-current activated sintering. Densification by pulsed-current activated sintering occurred even at 1300 oC within 5 minutes, obtaining a relative density and crystallite size of the sintered body of 95% and 190 nm, respectively.
Keywords: Solid oxide fuel cell, Electrolyte, Proton conductor, BZY, Pulsed-current activated sintering