Sintering behavior and ionic conductivity of Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 with a small amount of MnO2 doping

Abstract

A 20% GdO1.5 doped ceria solid solution with a small amount of MnO2 doping (≤5% molar ratio) was prepared via the mixed oxide method from high-purity commercial powders with grain size around 0.2–0.5 µm. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that all the samples exhibited the fluorite structure, and no new phase was found. The data from dilatometeric measurements and scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that 1% Mn doping reduced the sintering temperature by over 150 °C, and enhanced the densification and grain growth. Mn doping has little effect on grain interior conductivity, but a marked deterioration in grain boundary behavior is observed. This leads to a lower total conductivity in comparison with the undoped Ce0.8Gd0.2O2–δ. Therefore, for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with Mn-containing compounds as electrodes, optimization of electrode fabrication conditions is needed to prevent the formation of a lower conductivity layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface since Mn will diffuse from the electrode side to the electrolyte during fabrication and operation of SOFCs.