BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δprotonic conductors, prepared by the ceramic route, were pressed and sintered with ZnO and B2O3 sintering aids. The sintered pellets were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and impedance spectroscopy. Polished and thermally etched surfaces of the pellets were observed in a scanning probe microscope. The highest values of apparent density, 95%T.D., were obtained with 2 and 5 wt.% ZnO. The lowest value of electrical resistivity was evaluated in the yttrium-doped barium zirconate compounds with 5 wt.% ZnO. Boron oxide and zinc oxide sintering aids were efficient to improve the apparent density as well as the electrical conductivity of BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δprotonic conductors.
barium zirconate; boron oxide; zinc oxide; impedance spectroscopy; protonic conductor
