Preparation and characterization of Yb-doped Ba(Ce,Zr)O3 nanopowders with high sinterability

Abstract

The Ba(Ce0.8Zr0.2)0.95Yb0.05O2.975 ceramics electrolyte was prepared via a Pechini method using metal nitrate salts as starting materials. An optimum annealing temperature of 1,400 °C was needed to obtain a pure perovskite-like phase with orthorhombic structure. Particle size distribution showed a bimodal distribution that corresponds to the loose powders and agglomerates size. Scanning electron micrograph revealed that the loose powders were in the nanosize range (70–200 nm). These ultrafine loose powders enhanced the densification of a pellet with relative density ∼95% obtained at 1,400 °C. The sample formed clear and compact grains with submicron sizes. Impedance results showed that the impedance semicircle of the grain was observed only at T ≤ 250 °C. The introduction of 20 mol% Zr improved the chemical stability of BaCe0.95Yb0.05O2.975 sample in atmosphere containing carbon dioxide at 600 °C. The sample also exhibited high proton conductivity in wet hydrogen.