The effect of nickel oxide on the sintering of nanoparticles of samarium doped cerium oxide (SDC) for application in fuel cells

Fuel cells allow generation of electric energy in a clean and efficient way. Among the different types of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stands out. Samarium doped cerium oxide (SDC) have been widely studied for its application as solid electrolyte and as a component of cermet type anode. Initially, this work describes synthesis of nanoparticles of 20% mol samarium doped cerium oxide (Ce_0,8Sm_0,2O_1,9), by the precursor method. Subsequently, we analyze the effect of nickel oxide (NiO) and 10% cobalt-doped nickel oxide (CoNiO) on the sintering at 1200 °C of SDC pellets, aiming to attaining a sintering degree higher than 90%. Materials were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA), Transmition Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Raman Spectroscopy. We observed an increase in percentage of sintering from 83.1% (pure SDC pellet) to 98.6% (SDC pellet with CoNiO). Therefore, SDC prepared by the precursor method allows obtaining pellets with high density, which is a prerequisite for their use in preparation of components of SOFC type fuel cells.

Solid oxide fuel cell; solid electrolyte; SOFC; Samarium doped cerium oxide; SDC