Synthesis and characterization of Ca and Sr co-doped ceria electrolytes.

A series of CeCaSrO( x = 0, 0.03 and 0.06) were synthesized via citrate-nitrate combustion method. Samples were first characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD and SEM results showed that a complete solid solution formed in fluorite structure and CeCaSrO had homogeneous distribution of particle with grain size in the range of 2.5 to 3 μm. The electrical conductivities of CeCaSrO were evaluated for its use as a solid electrolyte in the intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells by complex plane impedance measurements. Impedance measurements were made in the frequency range 1 MHz-0.1 Hz and temperature range 300-700 °C. It was found that CeCaSrO showed highest conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]