Synthesis of β-Al2O3 Solid Electrolytes by the CA Complexing Sol-Gel Method

beta-Al2O3 precursor powders were synthesized by the CA complexing sol-gel method at lower temperatures using metal nitrate and CA as raw materials. The thermal decomposition mechanism of the gel and the formation process of beta-Al2O3 were investigated by XRD, FTIR, TG/DSC, EIS and SEM. The results showed that beta-Al2O3 precursor powder with the average size of 38 nm was obtained at 1 150 degrees C, 150 degrees C lower than the solid state reaction. The precursor powder had good sintering property and the relative density of the electrolyte ceramic up to over 96% can be manufactured at 1 630 degrees C. The ionic conductivity at 350 degrees C was 0.061 S.cm(-1).