Sample Preparation for Microstructural Characterization of Ni–Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Anodes

Microstructural characterization of Ni-yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anodes using secondary electron images has been limited by a lack of contrast between Ni and YSZ phases. This paper reports a sample preparation method for obtaining secondary electron images that allow the detection of Ni, YSZ, and pore phases together. Ni-YSZ anode samples were obtained by reducing NiO-YSZ samples prepared by using the mixed oxide method. Colloidal silica polishing and electrolytic etching were performed on the Ni-YSZ samples. The morphological change of the sample surface after each polishing process is examined. Key words: NiO-YSZ, Ni-YSZ, Microstructure, Polishing, Electrolytic Etching