Co-existence of amorphous and crystalline phases in Na-doped SrSiO3 system

The exceptionally high ionic conductivity of Na-doped SrSiO3 solid electrolytes has attracted widespread attention for their use in SOFCs. The structural features are investigated using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM/EDS, HR-TEM, DSC/TGA and Raman spectroscopy. The amorphous phase co-formed with the crystalline phase has been visualized using HR-TEM and co-related well with the XRD results. The glass transition (762 degrees C), glass melting (815 degrees C) and enthalpy of fusion (12.5 J g(-1)) of the amorphous phase are reported for the first time using DSC analysis. The thermal stability of the synthesized samples has also been studied using TGA analysis. Na doping in this system leads to the formation of a Na-rich glassy phase, which segregates along the grain-boundaries and is responsible for high electrical conductivity. Among all synthesized samples, Sr0.6Na0.4SiO3-delta showed the highest conductivity of 22.8 mS cm(-1) at 800 degrees C in air. Also, strontium silicate forms the monoclinic phase and behaves as an insulator in the measured temperature range (200-800 degrees C).