Investigation of samarium and neodymium co-doped BaCeO3 electrolyte for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells

BaCe0.8Sm0.2-xNdxO3-delta (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) powder was prepared using the glycine-nitrate combustion method, its crystal structure, microscopic morphology and electrochemical properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the BaCe0.8Sm0.2-xNdxO3-delta powder with orthorhombic perovskite structure could be obtained after calcined at 1150 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy showed that BaCe0.8Sm0.2-xNdxO3-delta sintered samples exhibited a dense structure. Electrochemical impedance tests showed that the substitution of Nd3+ improved the electrical conductivity of the BaCeO3-based electrolyte materials. The proton conductivity of BaCe0.8Sm0.15Nd0.05O3-delta samples reaches a maximum value of 0.035 S cm(-1) in a wet air environment at 700 degrees C.