RESUMO
We successfully synthesized nano-sized Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) powders by combustion method, using gelatin as fuel. The calcined powders showed high-quality characteristics, i.e., nano-scale size (14-35 nm) and narrow size distribution. The structural, morphological, and electrical characteristics of the sintered Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) were studied systematically, depending on sintering temperature. The crystal structure of the Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) belonged to the cubic fluorite structure. The gelatin-assisted combustion synthesized Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) powders allowed to sinter well at low temperature for dense and ultra-fine Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) electrolyte with good electrical conductivity. The sintering temperature of the Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O2 powder was approximately 300 degrees C lower than that of conventional solid-state synthesized powder. The nanopowder produced was sintered into pellets with relative densities over 99.1% of the theoretical value even at 1400 degrees C. The Ce(0.8)Gd(0.2)O(2-delta) sintered at 1400 degrees C exhibited a conductivity of 0.101 S/cm at 800 degrees C in air.
RESUMO
Gd and Tb co-doped Ce0.8Gd0.2-xTb(x)O2-delta (0 < or = x < or = 0.09) nanopowders were synthesized by the combustion method using aspartic acid as fuel. The calcined powders formed a ceria-based single phase with a cubic fluorite structure. In addition, the powders were pure, homogeneous, and nanocrystalline nature, i.e., 20.1-23.4 nm in the calculated crystallite size. The partial incorporation of Tb for Gd caused a decrease in the average grain size of the sintered bodies. The high-quality nanosized Ce0.8Gd0.17Tb0.03O2-delta powders provided a high density, ultra-fine grain size, and high electrical conductivity even at the low sintering temperature of 1300 degrees C. The grain size and density of the Ce0.8Gd0.17Tb0.03O2-delta were approximately 146 nm and approximately 99% of the theoretical density, respectively, allowing enhanced electrical conductivity (0.106 Scm(-1) at 800 degrees C).
