Estimation of the protonic concentration and mobility in Ba(Zr0.81Yb0.15Zn0.04)O3−δ ceramic

Rare earth doped BaZrO3 is one of most promising proton conducting oxides as it has high proton conductivity and sound chemical stability. Sintering aids such as ZnO, however, should be incorporated in order to improve poor sinterability. In this study, the effects of adding ZnO on proton conductivity of Yb-doped BaZrO3 (BZYb) were investigated. From the electrical conductivities measured under various water vapor pressures, concentration and mobility of the proton were obtained. Proton mobility of BZYb with ZnO (BZYb–Zn) was smaller than that of BZYb while hydration enthalpy of BZYb–Zn was more negative than that of BZYb.