This study aims to prepare novel precursor powders for 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia nano-powders. Precursor powders were extracted from the ethanol-water solution, which utilizes the changing solvation energy for different ions impacted by ethanol. An aqueous solution containing zirconium sulfate tetrahydrate and yttrium sulfate octahydrate was mixed with different volumes of ethanol to prepare precursor powders, then calcinating to obtain 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia nano-powders. The scanning electron microscope and particle size measurements for precursor powders suggested that the ideal volume ratio between ethanol and the aqueous solution was 2.5, corresponding to the complete precipitation and well-dispersion. The X-ray diffraction measurements, crystallization kinetics calculations, and scanning electron microscope after calcinating precursor powders indicated the successful formation of 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia powders and the particle growth through a one-dimensional growth mechanism in the 60-120 nm size range. The densification experiments and electrochemical performance measurements after sintering 8YSZ nano-powders showed high density and high ionic conductivity compared with commercial powders. An efficient process, successfully designed to achieve the commercial requirement, was used to prepare 8YSZ nano-powders.
