Elsevier, Solid State Ionics, (278), p. 181-185
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssi.2015.05.028
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We present here the synthesis of Sr-doped lanthanum zirconate pyrochlores La1.95Sr0.05Zr2O6.975 with controlled grain sizes and we compare different methods of sintering. Pyrochlores are systems where it is hard to achieve high density without a significant coarsening of the sample microstructure. It is shown that the use of Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) can produce high density ceramic samples while maintaining a nanometric grain size, a key factor for enhancing electrical and mechanical properties. Furthermore, ionic conductivity is found higher in samples sintered using SPS than in those produced by hot pressing.