High-temperature electrical conductivity of GdxTiyZrzCe1–x–y–zO2 solid solutions

Abstract

The influence of the composition of the initial nanocrystalline powders of Gd_xTi_yZr_zCe_{1–x–y–z}O₂ (x + y + z ≤ 0.3) on electrical conductivity of ceramics, sintered at 1300°С in air, was investigated. The phase composition and microstructure of the samples were studied by XRD and SEM, respectively. The electrical conductivity of these materials was measured by four-probe DC technique and AC impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range of 400–1000°С in air. It was shown that the optimal composition of initial precursors was Gd_0.1Zr_0.05Ti_0.05Ce_0.8O₂, which can be used as a solid electrolyte for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.