Synthesis, structural and impedance response of (Ba-Sr)-Co-O nanoparticles

Barium strontium cobaltite (BSC) (Ba_0.5Sr_0.5CoO_3−δ) samples were successfully produced through modified chemical synthesis procedures. The methods used are hydrothermal, without water and surfactant (WOWS) sol-gel and co-precipitation technique. The effect of different synthesis procedures on structure, morphology and electrical conduction behaviour of BSC samples was studied. X-Ray diffraction showed the development of orthorhombic phase pure perovskite structure. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of perovskite structure by revealing its fingerprint peaks. Morphological studies by SEM displayed evenly dispersed, agglomerated and micro porous like morphology. Nyquist plots as a function of frequency displayed single semi-circular arcs. These arcs are an indication of grain boundary contribution in the electrical conduction mechanism. Modulus study displayed the Debye type conductivity relaxation. AC conductivity curves agreed well with Jonscher's power rule. Hydrothermally synthesized samples have the least impedances at higher frequencies. That form them possible candidate for cathode material in (IT-SOFCs) applications.