Abstract Scope |
We recently reported an ultrafast high-temperature sintering (UHS) technique for synthesizing ceramic membranes (Science 2020, 368, 521-526; Cover). UHS can achieve temperatures up to 3000 ºC and heating/cooling rates up to ~10000 K/s to rapidly sinter ceramic membranes directly from their precursor powders toward dense microstructures. In this talk, I will first discuss our progress on applying UHS to various solid-state electrolyte membranes, showcasing the unique capability of UHS from composition to microstructure control. By programming the temperature and time (T-t), we can establish process diagrams to sinter porous vs. dense structures. Next, I will discuss using UHS to sinter transparent silica glass membranes. The sintered material by UHS exhibit relative densities of > 98% and high visible transmittances of ~90%. The process can be further extended to a range of glasses such as indium tin oxide (ITO)-doped silica, and other transparent ceramics such as Gd-doped yttrium aluminum garnet. |