BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3-δ proton-conducting electrolyte prepared by gel-casting for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3-δ (BZCY7) perovskite oxide was prepared by gel-casting and solid-state reaction techniques as proton-conducting electrolyte for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs). X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the phase formation temperature of BZCY7 powder synthesized by gel-casting was 100-150 °C lower than that by solid-state reaction method. The BZCY7 electrolytes prepared by gel-casting exhibited better sintering activity and higher electrical conductivity. After sintering at 1550 °C for 5 h, the relative density and electrical conductivity of the gel-casting derived BZCY7 reached 95% and 5 × 10^-3 S/cm in H₂ (∼3% H₂O) at 500 °C. However, for the solid-state reaction method, the sample had a relative density of 86% and electrical conductivity of 2 × 10^-3 S/cm under the same condition.