Temperature Effect on the Crystallite Size and Conductivity of Doped Ceria Electrolyte

Abstract

The samarium-doped ceria Sm_0.2Ce_0.8O_{2 – ⸹} electrolyte was synthesized by the co-precipitation method. XRD analysis confirmed the phase structure of the prepared electrolyte, which exhibited a cubic structure, with crystallite size varying from 22‒34 nm. SEM micrographs indicate homogenous, closely packed spherical grains and a relatively dense structure. Raman and UV–visible spectroscopy were used to observe molecular vibration and absorption. The electrolyte powder sintered at 1000°C showed a maximum ionic conductivity of 0.11 S cm^–1 at 600°C in air.