Boron oxide addition effect on the microstructure and conductivity of NaZr2(PO4)3 ceramic

Abstract

This study explored the impact of the incorporation of boron oxide into NASICON-type NaZr2(PO4)3 compounds, focusing on their structural and electricalproperties. Novel B-NaZr2(PO4)3 ceramic materials were synthesized via thesolid-state reaction method and sintered using both conventional and SparkPlasma Sintering (SPS) techniques. The findings revealed a remarkable two-orderof-magnitude increase in total electrical conductivity at 373 K with the additionof boron oxide, particularly when using SPS. The incorporation of boron oxidenot only enhanced sample densification but also significantly reduced sinteringtemperatures, resulting in lower energy consumption and improved crystallinedevelopment. These advancements position B-NaZr2(PO4)3 as a highly promisingcandidate for sodium solid electrolytes, offering a combination of superiorionic conductivity and energy-efficient processing. This work highlights a novelapproach to optimizing NASICON-type materials, with potential implicationsfor advancing solid-state battery technologies.