Synthesis and characterization of composite electrolytes based on samaria-doped ceria and Na/Li carbonates

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 35; no. 7; pp. 2953 - 2957
• Main Authors: Lapa, C.M., Figueiredo, F.M.L., de Souza, D.P.F., Song, L., Zhu, B., Marques, F.M.B.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alkali carbonates; Applied sciences; Carbonates; Ceramics; Composite electrolytes; Electrolytes; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Engineering mechanics; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Impedance spectroscopy; Mechanical and thermal engineering; Mekanisk och termisk energiteknik; Microstructural characterization; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanosized ceria; Nanostructure; Resistivity; Samaria-doped ceria; TECHNOLOGY; TEKNIKVETENSKAP; Teknisk mekanik; Microstructural characterization; Impedance spectroscopy; Nanosized ceria; Samaria-doped ceria; Composite electrolytes; Alkali carbonates; Scanning electron microscopy; Electrical conductivity; Lithium; Cerium oxide; Characterization; Carbonates; X ray diffractometry; Ceramic materials; Fuel cell; Low temperature; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2009.05.036

Samaria-doped ceria-based composites with a 2:1 addition of Li and Na carbonates (or simple Na carbonate as admixture) were prepared mixing nanosized powders of the ceramic phase with the remaining constituents. Samples fired at relatively low temperatures (below 700 °C) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy in air. These composites showed a complex but homogeneous distribution of both phases, with one ceramic skeleton of bonded nanosized grains surrounded by the carbonate-based phase. Impedance spectroscopy data was used to confirm the impressive electrical conductivity of these materials, but also to put into evidence the complex nature of the charge transport process, clearly deviating from classical electrolytes.