Various synthesis methods of aliovalent-doped ceria and their electrical properties for intermediate temperature solid oxide electrolytes

This article investigates the relationship between ionic conductivity and various processing methods for aliovalent-doped, ceria solid solution particles, as an intermediate temperature-solid oxide electrolyte to explain the wide range of conductivity values that have been reported. The effects of doping material and content on the ionic conductivity are investigated comprehensively in the intermediate temperature range. The chemical routes such as coprecipitation, combustion, and hydrothermal methods are chosen for the synthesis of ceria-based nanopowders, including the conventional solid-state method. The ionic conductivity for the ceria-based electrolytes depends strongly on the lattice parameter (by dopant type and content), processing parameters (particle size, sintering temperature and microstructure), and operating temperature (defect formation and transport). Among other doped-ceria systems, the Nd0.2Ce0.8O2−d electrolyte synthesized by the combustion method exhibits the highest ionic conductivity at 600 °C. Further, a novel composite Nd0.2Ce0.8O2−d electrolyte consisting of a combination of powders (50:50) synthesized by coprecipitation and combustion is designed. This electrolyte demonstrates an ionic conductivity two to four times higher than that of any singly processed electrolytes.