Preparation and characterization of co-doped (Ce0.80La0.15Al0.05O1.90) and multiple-doped (Ce0.80Sm0.10Gd0.05Al0.05O1.90 and Ce0.80Gd0.10Sm0.05Al0.05O1.90) ceria

摘要

Attempts have been made to synthesize a few compositions Ce0.80La0.15Al0.05O1.90, Ce0.80Sm0.10Gd0.05Al0.05O1.90, and Ce0.80Gd0.10Sm0.05Al0.05O1.90 by citrate–nitrate auto-combustion method. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of co-doping and multiple doping on the ionic conductivity of CeO2 for its use as solid electrolyte in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. XRD patterns showed that all the samples have fluorite-type crystal structure similar to undoped ceria. Microstructures of thermally etched samples have been studied by scanning electron microscopy. Contributions of grains σ g and grain boundaries σ gb to the total conductivity σ T, have been determined using impedance analysis. Impedance measurements were made in the frequency range 1 Hz–1 MHz and temperature range 250–500 °C. Our experimental results show that multiple doping is more effective than co-doping for improving the oxide ion conductivity of ceria in the materials investigated in the present study.