RF-induction plasma synthesis of CeO/sub 2/-based fine powders for SOFC electrolytes

Summary form only given. Doped CeO/sub 2/-based ceramics are the most promising substitute for the existing YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia) as the electrolyte material for SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells). Cerium oxide fine powders doped with different amounts of Gd, Sm and Y were synthesized from nitrate salts dissolved in water using a radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma reactor. An atomization probe was used to inject the solutions into the system, which was operated under vacuum using argon and oxygen as central and sheath gases, respectively. The effect of plasma operating parameters on particle synthesis was also investigated. Particle Ce and dopant composition was determined qualitatively using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrated that the amount of dopant for a given dopant did not affect the basic CeO/sub 2/ crystalline lattice. Measurements of crystal size by peak broadening suggested that dopant additions retarded crystal growth. SEM micrographs showed three different types of particles and size distribution ranges that were later confirmed using laser diffraction to measure particle size.