Preparation of nanocrystalline gadolinia doped ceria powders by combustion synthesis process

Abstract

Abstract Nanocrystalline gadolinia doped ceria powder was prepared by a combustion synthesis process using polyvinyl alcohol as fuel, with the aim of obtaining nanosized crystallites of this solid solution with high specific surface area. The structures of the polymer gel and the calcined materials were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Residual carbon content and specific surface area determinations were carried out on calcined powders. Microstructural characterisation was done by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that nanocrystalline particles of the solid solution can be prepared with low carbon content and high specific surface area by this one step synthesis technique.