Effect of iron oxide co-doping on structural, thermal, and electrochemical properties of samarium doped ceria solid electrolyte

Samarium doped cerium oxide (SDC) is widely investigated as an electrolyte material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) applications. However, the pristine SDC suffers from limited conductivity and stability. In this work, we prepare iron oxide (FeO) co-doped SDC electrolyte material via the solid-state method for SOFCs applications. The microstructural, thermal, and ionic conductivities of FeO/SDC electrolyte are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) respectively. The XRD and SEM studies confirm that as-prepared electrolyte is single phase and dense homogenous structure respectively. The EIS analysis exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of similar to 0.147 S/cm at 600 degrees C along with power density similar to 552 mW/cm(2) and open-circuit voltage (OCV) 1.3 V in the solid oxide electrolysis cell.

Automated summary

In this study, FeO co-doped SDC electrolyte material was prepared via the solid-state method for SOFCs applications, showing good ionic conductivity and microstructure. The electrolyte exhibited the highest ionic conductivity of 0.147 S/cm at 600 degrees C, a power density of 552 mW/cm², and an open-circuit voltage of 1.3 V in the solid oxide electrolysis cell.