Co-doping as a strategy for tailoring the electrolyte properties of BaCe0.9Y0.1O3–δ

The properties of single-doped BaCe0.9Y0.1O3–δ and materials co-doped with 5 mol % of different cations (In3+, Zr4+ and Nb5+) with the general formula BaCe0.85Y0.1M0.05O3–δ were compared to examine the influence of dopants on the electrolyte properties. The samples were synthesized by the citric-nitric autocombustion method. BaCe0.85Y0.1In0.05O3–δ was successfully sintered at 1400 °C for 5 h in air, while a complete sintering of the other materials was carried out at 1550 °C. This makes the doping with In a preferable method since sintering temperatures below 1500 °C can limit BaO evaporation. The total conductivities (σ) calculated from the electrical measurements at 700 °C in wet hydrogen decreased in the following order: