Zirconia Pressure Sensors: From Nanopowders to Device

Abstract

Abstract. Yttria-doped zirconia nanopowders have been obtained using the hydrothermal procedure starting from soluble inorganic salts. The mechanisms and kinetics of the process have been studied to obtain high purity powders with a crystalline size range of 4 to 22nm and specific surface near 200 m 2 /g. These powders have been have been used to obtain membranes with controlled thickness and with densities over 95% of the theoretical value by employing the tape casting technique using organic binders, dispersants and surfactants. The influence of the additives and sintering regime on the density and microstructure of membranes has been studied. The ionic conductivity of the materials was investigated and modelled. Different types of ruthenate pastes were used to obtain thick resistive films on the zirconia membranes and interactions between the substrate and membranes were studied. Finally the gauge characteristics of the device and possibilities for applications as mechanical pressure sensors with high sensitivity are discussed.Introduction.

Nanostructured Pure and Doped Zirconia: Synthesis and Sintering for SOFC and Optical Applications

“…Different theoretical and empirical models for solid state sintering were used for modeling the density of sintered zirconia nanomaterials using classical pressing and sintering technology, however being limited by the complexity of the structural modifications during the compaction process. A study on the influence of the synthesis and processing parameters on the ion conduction of YTZP nanomaterials and the characteristics of gauges for pressure sensors was performed [50]. YTZP powders (ZrO 2 doped with 3.5 mol% Y 2 O 3 ) obtained by hydrothermal treatment of the precursor suspensions in a Teflon autoclave for various times at temperatures around 250°C using ammonia as mineralizing agent were used in the sintering studies.…”

Hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured zirconia materials: Present state and future prospects

“…The role of thermodynamic and kinetic modelling is, therefore, of fundamental interest in producing powders with demanded characteristics for special applications [10]. Materials with enhanced ionic conductivity for low temperature oxygen and mechanical pressure sensors may be design [11]. …”