Structure and Transport Properties of Zirconia-Based Solid Solution Crystals Co-Doped with Scandium and Cerium Oxides

Abstract

The crystals of (ZrO₂)_1–x(Sc₂O₃)_x(СeO₂)_0.01 solid solutions (x = 0.08–0.10) were obtained by directional crystallization. The crystals of the grown composites were semitransparent, opalescent, and without cracks and had varying microstructure in the bulk. In the range of compositions under study, it was impossible to obtain optically homogeneous, fully transparent crystals. The crystals grown at a growth rate of 10 mm/h had a nonuniform distribution of ceria along the length of the ingot. The introduction of ceria in an amount of 1 mol % increased the conductivity of the crystals, but the increase in the specific electric conductivity depended on the Sc₂O₃ content and the phase composition of the crystals. The highest conductivity was inherent in the (ZrO₂)_0.89(Sc₂O₃)_0.10(CeO₂)_0.01 crystals.