Microstructure characterization and electrical conductivity of electroless nano Ni coated 8YSZ cermets

Using a common electroless bath, Ni-8YSZ (Ni-8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia) composite nano powder have been synthesized without use of any expensive sensitizing agent. HRTEM micrographs indicated that the coating morphology of Ni nano particles on the 8YSZ showed a spotty, discontinuous distribution and the Ni nano particles appeared as a crystalline phase. The amount of Ni in the composite powders was varied from 36-51 wt.% by changing the substrate powder loading in the electroless bath. Bar type samples were prepared by uniaxial pressing and sintering at 1300 °C for 2 h with these coated powders. The cubic (c)-zirconia was found to partially dissociate into monoclinic (m)-zirconia on sintering with Ni content 41% or higher and also increases with the increase of Ni content. The microstructure of each Ni-YSZ cermet after reduction in a H₂ + Ar gas atmosphere showed dual scale porosity (micro and submicron porosity). The Ni-8YSZ cermet samples showed metallic electrical conduction behavior, proving the percolation capability of the synthesized nano composite.