Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of BaCe0.8Gd0.2O3 Protonic Conductor

Abstract

Gadolinium-doped barium cerate (BaCe_0.8Gd_0.2O₃, BCG) powders were prepared by the sol-gel auto-combustion process. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, the formed BaCe_0.8Gd_0.2O₃ powders with perovskite structure are orthorhombic phase. When doped with larger sized Gd³⁺ ions and higher dopant concentration, the orthorhombic barium cerate lattice expanded. Results revealed that BaCe_0.8Gd_0.2O₃ proton-conducting solid electrolyte showed higher sinterability, its conductivity increased with the increase of the sintering temperature and a total conductivity 7.49 × 10^-3 S/cm at 800 ºC could be obtained.