Synthesis and characterization of Ca-substituted YAlO(3) by pechini route for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

The high operating temperature requirement of solid oxide fuel cells demands electrolyte materials stable at temperatures around 800 degrees C. The perovskite material YAlO(3), with yttrium ion on the A-site and the aluminium ion on the B-site is being investigated as an electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells. This work investigates the structure and electrical conductivity of undoped and Ca-doped YAlO(3) compositions that has been synthesized by the Pechini route. The samples have been investigated by X-ray diffraction studies. The electrical conductivity studies have been performed using a.c impedance spectroscopy in the range 200-800 degrees C in air. The doped YAlO(3) of composition x = 0.1 exhibits a total conductivity of about 2.2 mS/cm at 800 degrees C. The microstructural evaluation of the samples has been conducted by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectrum analysis. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.