Preparation and characterization of Ce1-xSmxO2-δ (x=0.1-0.3) as electrolyte material for intermediate temperature SOFC

The effect of Sm doping on CeO2 for its use as a solid electrolyte material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) has been explored here. Ce1-xSmxO2-delta (x = 0.1-0.3) samples are successfully synthesized by carbonate co-precipitation method. TG-DTA, XRD, Raman, UV Vis, FT-IR, SEM and ac-impedance are used for structural and electrical characterization. From the XRD patterns, wellcrystalline cubic fluorite structured solid solution is confirmed. Lattice parameters increased with increase in Sm3+ while the crystallite size decreased. The optical absorption spectra exhibits a red shift for Sm3+ doped CeO2. Raman spectra show an intense peak at 463 cm(-1), a characteristic peak for doped ceria. SEM shows cluster like particles. Based on ac-impedance data, the total oxygen ionic conductivity is highest for Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-delta in the temperature range of 473-623 K. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.