Microstructural studies of bulk and thin film GDC

Ceria rare earth solid solutions are known as solid electrolyte with potential application in oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells. We report the preparation of gadolinia-doped ceria, Ce_0.90Gd_0.10O_1.95, by the conventional solid-state reaction method and the preparation of thin films from a sintered pellet of gadolinia-doped ceria by the pulsed laser deposition technique. The effect of process conditions, such as substrate temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and laser energy on microstructural properties of these films are examined using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.