Oxygen Permeability of 60-VOLUME% Bi1.6Y0.4O3 and 40-VOLUME% ag Composite Prepared by Citrate Sol-Gel Method

A composite membrane composed of 60-volume% Bi_1.6Y_0.4O₃ and 40-volume% Ag was directly fabricated by a citrate sol-gel method. Oxygen permeation measurements were carried out as a function of the partial pressure difference of oxygen and temperature. A high oxide ionic conductor (δ-Bi₂O₃) phase and Ag composite could be obtained by heating above 1073 K and a well-sintered material was fabricated using the precursor powder prepared via the sol-gel route. We conclude that the rate-determining step in oxygen permeation is the ionic oxide transport in the Bi_1.6Y_0.4O₃ component of the composite.