Formation of yttria-stabilized zirconia nanotubes by atomic layer deposition toward efficient solid electrolytes

Abstract

We describe a fabrication strategy for preparing yttria-stabilized zirconia nanotube (YSZ-NT) arrays embedded in porous alumina membranes by means of template-directed atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. The individual YSZ-NTs have a high aspect-ratio of well over 120, about similar to 110 nm in diameter, and similar to 14 pm in length. Interfacing the tube arrays with porous Pt was also introduced on the basis of partial etching technique in order to construct Pt/YSZ-NTs/Pt membrane electrode assembly (MEA) structures. The resulting YSZ-NTs MEAs show a 7 mm in diameter with a roughness factor of similar to 2. Area specific resistance was measured up to 1.84 Omega cm(2) at 400 degrees C using H-2 as fuel.