New Research Publication in Ceramics International

We are proud to share our latest research article published in Elsevier journal Ceramics International.

This publication is the result of an outstanding collaboration between several leading European research centres and institutions, including our FunGlass Centre, CerAMglass at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, and ICV-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.

The project was led by Dr. Anastasiia Novokhatska, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in bringing this work to completion. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all co-authors — Hamada Elsayed, Glenn Mather, Beáta Pecuchová, Enrico Bernardo, Jozef Kraxner, and Dušan Galusek — for their valuable contributions and collaboration throughout the project.

The study focuses on the development of self-supported electrolytes based on 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) using the Direct Ink Writing (DIW) additive manufacturing method for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

Key achievements of the research include:

  • Successful formulation of ceramic inks with high solid loading and optimized rheological properties suitable for 3D printing.
  • Fabrication of printed green bodies with different thicknesses and infill patterns using a 0.4 mm nozzle.
  • Development of an optimized debinding and sintering profile leading to uniform densification and controlled pore distribution.
  • Achievement of high relative density (94%) and fine grain sizes between 3–4.5 μm.
  • Excellent mechanical performance, with flexural strength values ranging from 442 MPa to 477 MPa.
  • Stable ionic conductivity values between 2 and 2.5 S/m at 750 °C, independent of infill pattern or sample thickness.

The results demonstrate the strong potential of extrusion-based additive manufacturing for producing high-quality self-supported electrolytes with excellent mechanical and electrochemical performance, contributing to the advancement of next-generation solid oxide fuel cells.
You can read it here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2026.04.145