Preparation and characterization of ceria-Based electrolytes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC)

Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can be used for clean, efficient and environment-friendly energy conversion with a variety of fuels at high temperature (1273 K). The high temperature operation accelerates unwanted reactions and creates materials challenges; so, intermediate-temperature SOFCs (IT-SOFCs) have been developed. Reduction of the operating temperature (between 873–1073 K) requires solid electrolyte materials with higher conductivities. In this study, partially substituted ceria as solid electrolyte is experimented systematically for use in solid oxide fuel cells operating below 1073 K (intermediate temperature range). Nine compositions namely, CeO2, Ce0.95Gd0.05O2-δ (CGO9505), Ce0.90Gd0.10O2-δ (CGO9010), Ce0.85Gd0.15O2-δ (CGO8515), Ce0.80Gd0.20O2-δ (CGO8020), Ce0.95Sm0.05O2-δ (SDC9505), Ce0.90Sm0.10O2-δ (SDC9010), Ce0.85Sm0.15O2-δ (SDC8515) and Ce0.80Sm0.20O2-δ (SDC8020) were synthesized by Glycine Nitrate (GN) combustion technique and investigated. The physical properties and the other relevant features of the data obtained are analyzed with a view to use these alternate electrolyte materials in IT-SOFC.