Influence of Mg‐substitution on structural and electrical properties of ion‐conducting Ca‐doped tri‐yttrium gallate

Abstract

AbstractThe signature of oxide ion conductivity was perceived in acceptor‐doped (alkaline‐earth metals) Y3GaO6. An acceptor doping of 2%Ca in Y3GaO6 (i.e., Y2.94Ca0.06GaO6) has been found to exhibit a remarkable conductivity. The present work examines the conductivity behavior of 2% Ca‐doped tri‐yttrium gallate (Y2.94Ca0.06GaO6) and also the effect of Mg‐substitution on the phase formation and electrical conductivity of Y2.94Ca0.06GaO6 for its possible application as a solid electrolyte. Polycrystalline dense ceramic samples of Y2.94Ca0.06Ga1−xMgxO6−δ (with x = .00–.04) were fabricated using the conventional solid‐state reaction route. The X‐ray diffraction patterns were recorded to confirm the phase formation. The solid solubility limit of Mg2+ at Ga3+ site was found for x < .03. All the samples were observed to exhibit orthorhombic structure with Cmc21 symmetry (ICSD no.: 155086). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphology reveals dense polygonal grains with vibrant grain boundaries. A significant increase in the conductivity is observed by substituting 1 mol% of Mg2+ at the Ga3+ site of Y2.94Ca0.06Ga1−xMgxO6−δ. However, a further addition of higher dopant concentration of Mg2+ leads to a decline in the electrical conductivity. A relationship between the dopant concentration, phase formation, and structural characterizations has been established to analyze the conductivity behavior.