Effect of the Fuel in the Synthesis of NiO–YSZ by Solution Combustion Synthesis with Potential Application in Catalysis of Hydrogen

Nanocomposites of nickel oxide/yttria-stabilized zirconia (NiO/YSZ) particles were synthesized via solution combustion synthesis using glycine and urea as fuels in one step. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, where the synthesis with urea showed the formation of the NiO/YSZ composite, while the presence of Ni with NiO/YSZ were observed when the glycine was used. The morphology of the as-prepared powders and the presence of Ni were corroborated by field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM; EDX). The powders showed catalytic behavior which was evidenced by H₂-TPR measurements. These materials could be used for the fabrication of Ni/YSZ anode for fuel cells.