Phase and microstructure evolution of Sc2O3-CeO2 -ZrO2ceramics in Na2SO4 + V2O5 molten salts

In this study, the destabilization resistance of Sc2O3 and CeO2 co-stabilized ZrO2 (SCZ) ceramics was tested in Na2SO4 + V2O5 molten salts at 750 degrees C-1100 degrees C. The phase structure and microstructure evolution of the samples during the hot corrosion testing were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results showed that the destabilization of SCZ ceramics at 750 degrees C was the result of the chemical reaction with V2O5 to produce m-ZrO2 and CeVO4, and little ScVO4 was detected in the Sc2O3-rich SCZ ceramics. The primary corrosion products at 900 degrees C and 1100 degrees C were CeO2 and m-ZrO2 due to the mineralization effect. The Sc2O3-rich SCZ ceramics exhibited excellent degradation resistance and phase stability owing to the enhanced bond strength and the decreased size misfit between Zr4+ and Sc3+. The destabilization mechanism of SCZ ceramic under hot corrosion was also discussed.