Preparation of Nd-doped BaCeO3 proton-conducting ceramic and its electrical properties in different atmospheres

• Published in: Journal of the European Ceramic Society 1998, Vol.18 (10), p.1389-1395
• Main Authors: CHEN, F. L, SØRENSEN, O. T, MENG, G. Y, PENG, D. K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building materials. Ceramics. Glasses; Ceramic industries; Chemical industry and chemicals; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Diffusion in solids; Electrotechnical and electronic ceramics; Exact sciences and technology; Physics; Self-diffusion and ionic conduction in nonmetals; Technical ceramics; Transport properties of condensed matter (nonelectronic)
• ISSN: 0955-2219; 1873-619X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0955-2219(97)00136-2

Nd-doped BaCeO3 was prepared by a conventional ceramic processing technique using a special procedure to reduce calcining and sintering temperatures and to avoid possible contamination. A single perovskite phase was formed when the mixture powders were calcined at temperatures above 1000 C. Ball-milling of the calcined powders could disperse agglomerates. Sintered at temperatures above 1300 C, specimens with density greater than or equal to 93% of the theoretical and without open porosity could be obtained. Electrical conductivity was measured in dry atmospheres of Ar, air and O2 and in moist air. In dry Ar, air and O2, the conductivity values at a given temperature were similar, and the activation energies almost identical, possibly because Nd-doped BaCeO3 demonstrated predominately oxygen ion conduction in these environments. In moist air, proton conduction might predominate, leading to an increase in conductivity and a decrease in activation energy. 22 refs.