The effects of NiO solid solution into yttria fully stabilized cubic zirconia (YSZ) on the phase stability and electrical properties of YSZ were investigated. Time-dependent conductivity change of NiO-doped YSZ at 1000 degreesC was also investigated. Raman spectra showed that weak tetragonal peaks in the YSZ monolith disappeared when NiO was added. In addition, the time-dependent conductivity of YSZ monolith sharply decreased after the first 30 h of annealing at 1000 degreesC, whereas NiO-doped YSZ did not show such decline. Therefore, the solid solution of NiO enhanced YSZ stability and produced time-dependent conductivity change with moderate time. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.