Ionic Conductivity of Samarium Doped Cerium-(li/na)2co3 Electrolyte Composite for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

This research investigated ionic conductivity of SDC-(Li/Na)2CO3 electrolyte for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). The manufacturing method of the single cell by pressureless sintering was studied. This method has the potential to replace the more expensive hot pressing technique that has been recently used for the manufacturing of the SDC-carbonate electrolyte. The composition of the electrolyte used in this study were a mixture of 80 wt.% SDC-20 wt.% (Li/Na)2CO3 and 70 wt.% SDC-30 wt.% (Li/Na)2CO3, namely SDC8020 and SDC7030 respectively. The X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) is used in material characterization for determining the structure and crystallite size of the powders. The microstructure of the powders and pellets is determined using Field Emmision Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was conducted to determine thermal properties of materials. Conductivity analysis of the electrolyte cells was conducted using an impedance spectroscopy at the temperature range of 500 oC - 650 oC. SDC nano powders with crystallite size of 36-76nm was produced by sol gel method. The electrolyte cells was successfully produced by pressureless sintering method. High ionic conductivity were achieved at 1.74 x 10-2 - 1.72 x 10-1 S/cm (500 oC - 650 oC) and 4.56 x 10-2 - 5.87 x 10-1 S/cm (500 oC - 650 oC), for SDC8020 and SDC7030 respectively. This study provides an important contribution to the method of manufacturing of the SOFC that is potentially cost effective and applicable to mass production