Synthesis and microwave sintering of proton conductors of barium cerate

Abstract

The high proton conductivity of materials such as BaCeO3, SrCeO3, SrZrO3, BaZrO3 has attracted worldwide interest for use in energy conversion devices with high conversion efficiency and low pollution. These materials are used in a wide range of applications, such as solid-oxide fuel cells, hydrogen sensors, hydrogen separation membranes, hydrogen pumps, among others. Given the aforementioned applications, it is essential to carry out studies involving the synthesis, alternative sintering methods and characterization of these materials, in order to face new challenges in obtaining different powders and differentiated microstructures. In this research project, the aim is to study the synthesis by the polymeric precursor method and the modification of BaCeO3, using F- to partially substitute O2-, followed by microwave sintering. The main effect expected from this substitution of O2- for F-, and its microwave sintering, is that the chemical stability of the electrolyte will increase, enabling it to be employed at intermediate temperatures. (AU)