A new method, microwave-induced combustion synthesis, was developed so as to

produce highly sinterable Y2O3-doped CeO2 nanopowders. The process took only

0.25h to yield Y2O3-doped CeO2 powders. An investigation was also made of the

conductivity of Y2O3-doped CeO2 ceramics. It was found that the Y2O3

concentration had a large effect upon the morphology, activation energy, ionic

conductivity and mechanical properties of Y2O3-doped CeO2 ceramics. The results

revealed that the bulk densities of Y2O3-doped CeO2 ceramics sintered at 1420C

for 5h were all higher than 92% of the theoretical densities, and that the maximum

ionic conductivity at 800C was 0.023S/cm, the minimum activation energy was

0.954eV, at 300 to 800C and that the maximum fracture toughness of

1.825MPam1/2 was found for 9mol%Y2O3-doped CeO2 specimens. The grain size

of CeO2 decreased with increasing Y2O3 concentration. The fracture toughness was

found to increase with increased Y2O3 concentration; because of the decrease in

CeO2 grain size.

Ionic Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of Y2O3-Doped CeO2 Ceramics

Synthesis by Microwave-Induced Combustion. Y.Fu: Ceramics International, 2009,

35[2], 653-9