Characterization of Sm and Nd Co-Doped Ceria-Based Electrolyte Materials

Abstract

Ceria doped with trivalent cations, such as rare earth elements, is considered to be one of the most promising electrolyte materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, which are an alternative to the commercially used ytrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The aim of this work research is to synthesize Sm and Nd co-doped ceria materials using the Pechini method as solid electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell. Ce0.75Sm0.20Nd0.05O1.875, Ce0.65Sm0.20Nd0.15O1.825, and Ce0.60Sm0.20Nd0.20O1.80 have been chosen as target of this study. Microstructural and physical properties of the samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis methods. The results of the thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction indicated that a single-phase fluorite structure formed at the relatively low calcination temperature of 600 ◦C for 3 h. The two-probe ac impedance spectroscopy was used to study the total ionic conductivity of doped and co-doped ceria ceramics at 800 ◦C. The Ce0.60Sm0.20Nd0.20O1.80 sample showed maximum ionic conductivity.