Electrical properties of nanocrystalline Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) (0.1 < or = x < or = 0.3) ceramics for IT-SOFC

Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) (0.1 < or = x < or = 0.3) nano-sized powders were successfully synthesized by the solution combustion synthesis process. The calcined nanopowders showed a ceria-based single phase with a cubic fluorite structure. In this study, we discussed the structural and electrical characteristics of the sintered Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta). We obtained high-quality Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) and Ce(1-x)Gd(x)O(2-delta) ceramics with a high density, ultra-fine grain size, and high electrical conductivity even at low sintering temperature using the nanosized powders. The electrical conductivities at 800 degrees C for the Ce(0.8)Sm(0.2)O(2-delta) sintered at 1400 degrees C and the Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) sintered at 1350 degrees C were 0.110 and 0.104 Scm(-1), respectively.