Synthesis of nano-crystalline Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 electrolyte by novel sol-gel thermolysis process for IT-SOFCs

• Published in: Journal of the European Ceramic Society 2008-12, Vol.28 (16), p.3107-3112
• Main Authors: HARI PRASAD, D, SON, J.-W, KIM, B.-K, LEE, H.-W, LEE, J.-H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical synthesis methods; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Materials science; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanopowders; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Physics
• ISSN: 0955-2219; 1873-619X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2008.05.021

Nano-crystalline Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (GDC) powders were prepared by a novel sol-gel thermolysis method using a unique combination of urea and PVA. The gel precursor obtained during the process was calcined at 400 and 600 C for 2 h. XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, EDS and TEM were used to characterise the physical and chemical properties of the obtained powders. GDC gel precursors calcined at 400 and 600 C had an average crystallite size of 10 and 19 nm, respectively. XRD patterns showed that a well-crystalline cubic fluorite structure GDC was obtained by calcining the precursor gel at 400 and 600 C. Sintered samples with lower temperature calcined powders showed better sinterability and higher ionic conductivity of 2.21 x 10 exp(-2) S/cm at 700 C in air. 26 refs.