Comparative Research on the Thermophysical Properties of Nano-Sized La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 Synthesized by Different Routes

La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 has been regarded as an ideal candidate for the next generation of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) due to its prominent superiority. In this paper, the nano-sized La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 was synthesized using two different synthetic routes: sol-gel and hydrothermal processes. Various techniques were utilized to assess the differences in the relevant thermophysical properties created by the different synthetic methods. According to the investigations, both samples exhibited pyrochlore structures with an excellent thermal stability. The sample synthesized via the hydrothermal method showed a more uniform particle size and morphology than that obtained through the sol-gel technique. The former also possessed a better sinter-resistance property, a more outstanding TEC (thermal expansion coefficient) and thermal conductivity, and a larger activation energy for crystal growth than the latter. The micro-strain of both samples showed an interesting change as the temperature increased, and 1200 °C was the turning point. Additionally, relative mechanisms were discussed in detail.