Enhanced thermal stability of high yttria concentration YSZ aerogels

• DOI: 10.1111/jace.17792
• Publication Date: 2021-03-20T08:16:37Z
• Authors: Nathaniel S. Olson; Frances I. Hurwitz; Haiquan Guo; Nathan J. Madden; Jamesa L. Stokes; Richard B. Rogers; Jessica A. Krogstad
• Keywords: Thermal Stability; Specific surface area

Abstract Aerogels are a promising class of materials for lightweight, high‐performance insulation. However, their high specific surface area contributes to rapid densification the structure at elevated temperatures. Upon densification, favorable properties low thermal conductivity and density lost. Investigation doped metal oxide systems presents route stabilization porous structures temperatures platform study parameters conducive stability. Our work focuses on yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) aerogels prepared via sol‐gel method supercritically dried. Yttria concentrations were studied from 0 50 mol% YO 1.5 stabilize porosity 1200°C develop an understanding contributing improved Increased yttria content stability pore by reducing suppressing crystallite growth, resulting in retention mesoporous 1200°C. The improvement is related associated reductions energy cation diffusivity higher concentrations. This demonstrates that tuning thermodynamic kinetic factors viable highly use as insulation extreme environments.