Influence of Low Sintering Temperature on BaCe0.2Zr0.6Y0.2O3−δ IT-SOFC Perovskite Electrolyte Synthesized by Co-Precipitation Method

Abstract

BaCe0.2Zr0.6Y0.2O3−δ (BCZY) perovskite electrolytes were synthesized for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell with a cost-effective and versatile co-precipitation method. The synthesized BCZY electrolytes were sintered at 900, 1000, and 1100 °C to observe the effects of low sintering temperature on the structural, morphological, thermal, and electrical properties of BCZY. All BCZY electrolytes materials exhibited a crystalline perovskite structure and were found to be thermally stable. The crystallinity and conductivity of BCZY electrolyte enhanced with increased sintering temperature, due to the grain growth. At the same time, secondary phases of carbonates were also observed for samples sintered at a temperature lower than 1100 °C. The BCZY sintered at 1100 °C exhibited a density >95%, and a power density of 350 mWcm−2 with open-circuit voltage 1.02 V at 650 °C was observed due its dense and airtight structure. Based on the current investigation, we suggest that the BaCe0.2Zr0.6Y0.2O3−δ perovskite electrolyte sintered at a temperature of 1100 °C is a suitable electrolyte for IT-SOFC.