Auto-combustion synthesis and properties of Ce0.85Gd0.15O1.925 for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells electrolyte

A typical composition of the system Ce_1 − xGd_xO_2 − δ with x = 0.15 (CGO15) has been synthesized by auto-combustion method. DTA/TGA of the precursor compound indicated the completion of reaction at about 270 °C. Greater than 95% of the theoretical density has been achieved by sintering at 1300 °C for 10 h. Single phase formation in as-burnt stage has been confirmed by its powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The structural morphology was studied employing bright field transmission electron micrograph (BFTEM) and high resolution transmission electron micrograph (HRTEM). BFTEM image indicates that particles are highly agglomerated and appear to be dispersed in amorphous matrix. Also BFTEM image reveals that the average particle size is 26 ± 5 nm. The presence of amorphous phase in as-prepared ash was also confirmed by HRTEM and selected area diffraction (SAD). The scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the thermally etched system shows grains having an average size of 400 nm. Impedance measurements have been made in the frequency range 1 Hz to 1.3 MHz between 200 and 500 °C and the total conductivity was measured. An enhanced conductivity value is observed which may make this system suitable for application as a solid electrolyte material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs).