Metal-organic deposition of thin-film yttria-stabilized zirconia-titania

Mixed-conducting yttria-stabilized zirconia-titania (YZTi) has attractive applications in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC's) and electrocatalysis, particularly when used as a thin film to reduce its electrical resistance. Thin films of yttria (12 mol %) stabilized zirconia-titania (8 mol %) have been prepared using metal-organic deposition (MOD) whereby metal-organic solutions of Zr-, Y-, and Ti-2-ethylhexanoates are spun onto suitable substrates. Variables affecting the film surface-morphology, chemistry, and crystal structure are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and x-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Uniform, pore-free films having a low carbon content (<1 at. %) are made by sintering on a hot plate at 530 °C. The effect of thermal cycling on the chemical compatibility and adherence is examined for YZTi films on yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates.