Method for producing ceramic devices by sintering in a low pO2 atmosphere and using sintering additives comprising a transition metal

The present invention provides a method for producing a ceramic device in a low pO 2 atmosphere, comprising the steps of: - providing a composition comprising a base material and a transition metal; - forming a first layer of said composition; - optionally forming at least one layer on one side or both sides of said first layer; and - sintering the multilayer structure in a low pO 2 atmosphere; characterized in that - the amount of the transition metal is from 0.01 to 4 mol%, based on the composition of the first layer; - the oxygen partial pressure pO 2 is 10 -14 Pa or less; and - the sintering temperature is in the range of from 700 to 1600°C.