Sintesis Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia Dari Zirkon Lokal Sebagai Material Elektrolit Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

This research was done by using zirconia (ZrO2) that has been synthesized from the concentrate of zircon sand. Zircon sand is a side product of mining in Bangka Island, Indonesia. Zirconia was synthesized by using caustic fusion method of single filtration. Zirconia was doped with yttria to form Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia (YSZ). Yttrium ions that were doped into the synthesized ZrO2 have various composition, i.e. 4.5%, 8%, and 10%. The purpose of this research is to understand the effect of composition on the crystal structure, conductivity characteristic and the conductivity value. The diffraction pattern was completed with Le Bail refinement that used to understand the crystal structure. Refinement result showed that the prepared ZrO2 presents in two phases which are monoclinic and tettragonal zirconia. Meanwhile, the addition of yttrium ions produced Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia (YSZ) with cubic structure. However, the synthesized YSZ did not axisted as a single phase but it presents as 3 phases, i.e. monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic. Yttrium addition has changed the cell parameters of crystal. It represents that Y3+ (Yttrium ions) has entered ZrO2 structure. It is supported by the Fourier plots. The various composition of YSZ showed different morphology and different particle size. While, the greatest ionic conductivity provides by 8YSZ, i.e. 2.74x10-4 S.cm-1 at 700 oC