Low Sintering Temperature and Electrical Properties of Samarium-Doped Ceria

Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.95 solid electrolytes were synthesized by a modified homogeneous precipitation method, aiming at optimization of densification behavior and electrical conductivity. Nanoparticles with 3 to 8 nm in diameter were obtained after calcination at 450 and 700 degrees C, respectively. The linear shrinkage of powder compacts shows an endset temperature around 1200 degrees C, with maximum shrinkage rate at 1000 degrees C. High relative density values (similar to 93%) were obtained for pellets prepared from mixed solvents at only 1150 degrees C. The electrical conductivity of both grains and grain boundaries exhibits a considerable dependence on the type of alcohol used as solvent and on the residual porosity.