Zirconia / YSZ
Yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) is a technical ceramic that conducts oxygen ions at elevated temperature, making it the standard solid electrolyte for automotive oxygen (lambda) sensors and related exhaust sensing.
Overview
Zirconium dioxide (zirconia) doped with yttria (typically 3–8 mol% Y2O3) forms yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ), a solid electrolyte that transports O2− ions above roughly 300–600°C depending on design. In petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains, planar and thimble YSZ elements are the heart of lambda and wideband oxygen sensors that enable closed-loop AFR control and aftertreatment efficiency. YSZ also underpins solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes and appears in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and wear ceramics. Sensor-grade YSZ powders and sintered elements demand controlled particle size, sintering aids and electrode interfaces (Pt, porous ceramic). This entry covers technical YSZ ceramic for sensors and related automotive uses, spanning processed ceramic products rather than raw zircon sand alone.
Automotive Applications
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Properties
Category
Type
Technical Ceramic / Oxygen Sensor
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Oxygen-ion conductivity at high temperature
- Stabilised cubic/tetragonal zirconia with Y2O3
- Excellent corrosion resistance in exhaust gases
- Thermal shock resistance with proper microstructure
- Used as planar or thimble sensor electrolytes
- Also basis for TBC and SOFC electrolytes
Technical Specifications
Density
~5.6–6.1 g/cm³ (dense YSZ)
Tensile Strength
Ceramic flexural strength typically ~200–1000 MPa depending on grade (not ductile tensile metal behaviour)
Temperature Resistance
Sensor electrolytes typically operate ~300–900°C depending on design; YSZ itself stable to much higher temperatures
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
Zircon mining and chemical purification have local environmental impacts; ceramics are energy-intensive to sinter. End-of-life sensor ceramics are rarely recycled into new electrolytes. Longevity of modern sensors reduces replacement frequency.