Effects of Ni doping on the sintering and electrical properties of BaZr0.8Y0.2O3−δ proton conducting electrolyte prepared by Flame Spray Synthesis

• Published in: Journal of the European Ceramic Society Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 101 - 107
• Main Authors: Bozza, Francesco, Bator, Karolina, Kubiak, Wladyslaw W., Graule, Thomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Barium zirconate; Flame Spray Synthesis; Nanopowders; Proton conducting fuel cells; Solid state reactive sintering; Proton conducting fuel cells; Nanopowders; Flame Spray Synthesis; Solid state reactive sintering; Barium zirconate
• ISSN: 0955-2219; 1873-619X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2015.09.010

BaZr0.8Y0.2xNixO3−δ (x=0.01, 0.02) prepared by Flame Spray Synthesis (FSS) were investigated as electrolyte materials for proton conducting fuel cells applications. The as synthesized nanoprecursors, composed of a perovskite phase mixed with doped zirconia and barium nitrate, were sintered at 1400°C and 1500°C to form dense specimens. The microstructural and electrical properties of the Ni doped sintered samples were compared with those related to the BaZr0.8Y0.2O3−δ sample sintered at 1600°C. Ni inclusion strongly enhanced densification and grain growth process, reducing the sintering temperature up to 200°C. AC impedance spectroscopy performed in wet H2/N2 atmosphere revealed a negative effect of Ni on the proton conductivity. The proton conductivity of 3.8mS/cm2 at 450°C for the BaZr0.8Y0.18Ni0.02O3−δ sample sintered at 1400°C, associated with the relatively low sintering temperature required, makes of Ni doped BZY20 prepared by FSS a promising electrolyte material for PCFCs working in the intermediate temperature range.