Profile of yttrium segregation in BaCe0,9Y0,1O3-δ as function of sintering temperature

Researches on solid oxide fuel cells indicate barium cerate perovskite as a very attractive material for using as electrolyte due to its high protonic conductivity. The objective of this work is investigate the yttrium segregation during sintering of BaCe0,9Y0,1O3-δ doped with Zn O as a sintering aid. The powders were prepared by citrate process. Powders were isostatic pressed into pellets and sintered in air at 1200, 1275, 1325 and 1400 deg C. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and impedance spectroscopy. Secondary phase containing Yttrium and Cerium was detected as sintering temperature increased. Increase of the lattice parameter and activation energy for electrical conductivity were also detected on samples sintered at 1400 deg C. (author)