Synthesis and characterization of ceria–yttria co-stabilized zirconia (CYSZ) nanoparticles by sol–gel process for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) applications

Nanocrystalline ceria–yttria co stabilized zirconia (CYSZ) powder was successfully synthesized by the Pechini complex route. The obtained powder was tetragonal ZrO₂. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the bonding characteristics of the obtained gel. Thermo gravimetric analysis together with differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate the variations of dried gel properties with temperature and to identify the appropriate heating process. The effect of heat treatment procedure on the purity and crystallographic structure of the final product was studied by the use of X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, Raman spectra were recorded at room temperature to find out about possible Raman modes and to understand the structure of CYSZ nanoparticles. The changes in morphology and the size distribution were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The CYSZ powder contained primary particles of 25 nm size with a uniform distribution. Thermal conductivity of nanostructured CYSZ measured by laser flash technique, found to be lower than conventional counterpart.