Cubic fluorite phase of samarium doped cerium oxide (CeO2)0.96Sm0.04 for solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte

Nanocrystalline samarium doped cerium oxide of (CeO2)(0.96)Sm-0.04 was synthesized by using a simple and environment-friendly sol-gel method via hydrolysis process. The synthesized cubic fluorite phase of (CeO2)(0.96)Sm-0.04 solid electrolytes was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Incorporation of samarium into the cerium lattice improved the redox ability of ceria. The fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of samarium doped cerium oxide exhibits strong band below 700 cm(-1) which is due to the delta(Ce-O-C) mode. The observed red shift in the UV-Vis absorption spectra confirmed the promoted electron-phonon interaction in samarium doped cerium oxide solid electrolytes. Scanning electron microscopy images of (CeO2)(0.96)Sm-0.04 appeared as coral rock structure with slight agglomeration. Narrower particle distribution and the tightly packed surface morphology of the particles is a benefit for the efficient charge carrier formation. The electrochemical properties were examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Sm3+ ions involved a crucial role to decrease the ionic band between the Ce and O, which makes the oxygen flexible. Hence, (CeO2)(0.96)Sm-0.04 solid electrolytes can be a suitable material for solid oxide fuel cell device applications.