Wet chemical synthesis and characterisation of Ba0.5Sr0.5Ce0.6Zr0.2Gd0.1Y0.1O3 − δ proton conductor

Ba0.5Sr0.5Ce0.6Zr0.2Gd0.1Y0.1O3−δ (BSCZGY) proton conducting electrolyte material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) has been synthesized by a sol-gel modified Pechini process and its sinterability, thermal expansion, microstructure, ionic conductivity and chemical stability have been investigated. Ionic conductivity at 700°C was measured to be ~8×10−3Scm−1 in wet 5vol.% H2/Ar atmospheres. Chemical stability test in pure CO2 up to 1200°C shows that the material is highly stable; better than the stability of BaZr0.3Ce0.5Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ.