Thermal, structural and electrical properties of samarium doped barium cerate electrolyte for SOFCs

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2017-12, Vol.202, p.82-88
• Main Authors: Senthil Kumar, A., Balaji, R., Jayakumar, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical route; Chemical synthesis; Crystal structure; Electrical properties; Electrical resistivity; Ion currents; Microstructure; Microwave sintering; Microwaves; Nanocomposites; Samarium; SDC-BCS nanocomposite; Sintering; Solid oxide fuel cell; Solid oxide fuel cells
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2017.09.008

In the present investigation Samarium doped barium cerate electrolyte powder of (1-x)Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-δ -xBaCe0.8Sm0.2O3-δ (where x = 0.1 mol fraction) stoichiometry formula is successfully synthesized through wet chemical route. A SDC-BCS nanocomposite electrolyte is premeditated with respect to its thermal, structural, morphological properties and conductivity performance. The crystal structure and microstructure of the SDC-BCS composite is investigated from XRD and SEM analysis. TG analysis reveals that the calcination temperature (900 °C) of the as prepared powder sample. The crystal structure of as prepared SDC-BCS composite powder is identified as cubic perovskite with orthorhombic distortions occurred at 900 °C. From TEM analysis, the particle size is found to be around 32 nm. SEM analysis reveals that the existence of dual phase microstructure in the composite at 1400 °C. The preparation of dense SDC-BCS nanocomposite with the development of dual phase microstructure is achieved for the better ionic conductivity in SDC-BCS nanocomposites for SOFC application. [Display omitted] •To prepare the composite electrolyte by wet chemical method and sintered through microwave furnace.•To develop a dual phase microstructure in electrolyte for high ionic conductivity in SOFCs.