Electrical Functionalization of Ceramics by Grain boundary Nanostructrure Control

Abstract

Structure ceramics with good mechanical properties, for example zirconia, are electrical insulators. We have succeeded to add electric conductive properties to zirconia ceramics. In this study, Bi₂O₃-CuO-V₂O₅ glass was used as a conductive phase and OY, 3Y, and 8Y zirconia as matrix ceramics. Sintered by PECS, we have investigated the electric conductive properties of zirconia ceramic obtained by nanoscale modification of its grain boundary. The TEM observation revealed that electric conductive glass phase was formed in grain boundary and that nanoparticle precipitated within glass phase.