Mechanical properties of BaCe0.65Zr0.2Y0.15O3-δ proton-conducting material determined using different nanoindentation methods

Proton-conducting membranes have great potential for applications in proton conducing membrane reactors for the production of commodity chemicals or synthetic fuels as well as for use in solid oxide fuel cells. However, to ensure the long-term structural stability under operation relevant conditions, the mechanical properties of the membrane materials need to be characterized. BaCe0.65Zr0.2Y0.15O3-delta is of particular interest due to its proven functional properties. In this research work, the mechanical properties of BaCe0.65Zr0.2Y0.15O3-delta were determined on different length scales using different methods including impulse excitation, indentation testing, and micropillar splitting. A detailed microstructural analysis of pillars revealed that irregular results are caused by pores causing crack deflection and complex crack patterns.