Acceptor-doped perovskites based on the BaCeO3 have been extensively investigated as promising candidates for proton-conducting electrolyte at intermediate temperatures. This operational regime is characterized by proton conduction facilitated via hydroxyl protons that effectively occupy vacancies of oxide ions within the perovskite crystal lattice structure. While the trade-off parameters (proton conductivity and chemical stability) concern the utility of cerium-based electrolytes, acceptor doped compounds hinder the mobility of protons due to dopant-charge and dopant-host interactions. However, Dy-doped compounds reveal a promising behavior relative to most acceptor substituents with marginal constraints at higher doping concentration. As a result, a threshold doping range is essential to combat material inconsistencies such as cationic disorder to proton trapping effect. Therefore in the present study we synthesize the single-phase dysprosium and zirconium co-doped barium cerate at different doping concentrations (BaCe0.8-xZr0.2DyxO3-δ (x = 0.0–0.20)) to showcase the chemical inertness of the compound against oxidizing and reducing atmospheres preserving high ionic conductivity. According to our experimental outcomes, higher ionic conductivity among wet atmospheric conditions suggests the role of moisture to contribute additional charge carriers among the Dy-doped samples via explicitly generated oxygen vacancies. As a result, BaCe0.65Zr0.2Dy0.15O3-δ demonstrates a highest total conductivity, reaching 2.44 x 10-2 S cm−1 at 575 °C, with an associated activation energy of 0.61 eV within the temperature range of 300–600 °C. The study also reveals the optimal operating temperature of the proton conducting electrolyte to avoid mixed ionic (H+ and O2–) conduction.
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