Enhanced electrical conductivity of ceria electrolyte doped with samarium (Ce0.8-xZrxSm0.2O2-δ) for solid oxide fuel cells

To affluence the ionic conductivity enhancement in Cerium Oxide (CeO2) for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs), we report synthesis of Zr substituted, Samarium doped Ceria (SDC) via chemical procedure. Substitution of Zr has assisted the stabilizing of majority Ceria as Ce4+ and improved the ionic conductivity considerably. The cubic fluorite structure of CeO2 was supported by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particle's morphology is studied using SEM, TEM which revealed size of CeO2 as 20 nm. Valence state of cations and concentration of Ce4+ are proven through X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS). This result confirms 50% upsurge in tetravalent Cerium concentration (from 56 to 84%) which influences the ionic conductivity. The x = 0.075 composition revelations greater ionic conductivity of 0.528 x 10(-1)(S cm(-1)) at 750 degrees C in comparison with other 'x' configurations. The substitution of Zr4+ in SDC stabilizes the cubic fluorite structure and promotes oxygen vacancies enhancing ionic conducting nature. The elevated ionic conductivity value and stability of Ce4+ the present work proposes that the prepared materials are promising ionic conductors.

Automated summary

By substituting Zr and doping with samarium, the structure of cerium oxide was stabilized as Ce4+ and the ionic conductivity was improved. The morphology and properties of CeO2 were studied, showing significant enhancement in ionic conductivity.