Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ powders with ameliorated ionic conductivity by citrate combustion route

Nanocrystalline Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ powders were prepared through a Citrate combustion process using citric acid as fuel in ratio of metal nitrides of 2:1. As prepared Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ is heat treated different calcinating temperature. Structural, thermal and electrical transport properties of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ powders were studied with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry analysis, Transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of pure-phase fluorite structured Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ. The relative densities of prepared Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ powders were in the range of 92% to 96%. The average particle sizes ranged from 7 ± 0.21 nm to 19 ± 0.49 nm, with an increase in calcinating temperature from 300 ºC to 700 °C. Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ sintered at 1200 °C for 36 h exhibited ionic conductivity of 0.022 ± 0.004 Scm− 1 in the air at 800 C. This study indicates that Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ powder with high ionic conductivity is prepared using the citrate combustion method.