Yttria-doped zirconia and pure zirconia membranes were prepared with sol-ge
l method using zirconium oxychloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2. 8H(2)O) as starti
ng material. Characterization for membranes was performed by means of BET,
TG-DTA, SEM, XRD, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Stable tetragonal phase and
pore structure in yttria-doped zirconia membranes were observed at 400-700
degrees C. And, phase transformation temperature can be retarded to 300 de
grees C. As a result, yttria doping can be developed as a method to secure
the membrane from cracking in preparation process and high temperature appl
ications. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers.