Neodymium-doped ceria nanomaterials: facile low-temperature synthesis and excellent electrical properties for IT-SOFCs

A novel and facile method is applied to successfully synthesize the 20 mol% neodymium-doped ceria (CNO) nanomaterials, including nanowires and nanoparticles, at 240 degrees C in ambient air. These special nanostructures are easily densified at 1300 degrees C and provide a three-dimensional (3D), continuous and fast ionic conduction pathway. Surprisingly, the CNO nanomaterials endow the homogeneous and compact ceramics with a competitive ionic conductivity of similar to 1.5 S m(-1) at 600 degrees C, down to a pO(2) value of about 10(-4) atm, and act as a potential electrolyte or composite anode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.