A Promising Proton Conducting Electrolyte BaZr1-xHoxO3-δ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) Ceramics for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

In this study, the Ho-substituted BaZrO3 electrolyte ceramics (BaZr1-xHoxO3-delta, 0.05 <= x <= 0.20) were synthesized through a low-cost flash pyrolysis process followed by conventional sintering. The effects of Ho-substitution in BaZrO3 studied in terms of the structural phase relationship, microstructure and electrical conductivity to substantiate augmented total electrical conductivity for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that pure phase with Pm (3) over barm space group symmetry of cubic crystal system as originated in all samples sintered at 1600 degrees C for 8 h. The Raman spectroscopic investigations also approved that Ho incorporation in BaZrO3 ceramics. Field Emission Scanning Microscopic (FESEM) study informed a mixture of fine and coarse grains in the fracture surface of Ho-substituted BaZrO3 sintered samples. The relative density and average grain size of samples were observed to decrease as per the addition of Ho-substitution in BaZrO3 ceramics. The electrical conductivity study was accomplished by Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) under 3% humidified O-2 atmosphere from 300 to 800 degrees C. Furthermore, the total electrical conductivity of BaZr0.8Ho0.2O3-delta ceramic was found to be 5.8 x 10(-3) S-cm(-1) at 600 degrees C under 3% humidified atmosphere, which may be a promising electrolyte for IT-SOFCs.