Structure and electric properties of BaCe0.77 ? xZrxGd0.2Cu0.03O3 ? δ

In the present work, samples with the composition of BaCe_{0.77 − x} Zr _x Gd_0.2Cu_0.03O_{3 − δ} (x = 0, 0.1…0.7, 0.77) were synthesized according to the standard solid state technique. The effect of zirconium oxide on the phase character, structure, and conductivity was studied using the methods of X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and four-probe method, accordingly. Stability of these materials in the flow of carbon dioxide was studied. The results show that introduction of zirconium oxide leads to preservation of a single-phase system (x ≤ 0.6), a decrease in the grain size, and an increase in stability in the CO₂ atmosphere.