New synthetic strategies for the enhancement of the ionic conductivity in Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-x

Introduction Samarium-doped ceria has been widely investigat-ed for electrochemistry applications as full density elec-trolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC), between 500°C and 800°C [1]. One of the main challenges for the ceria-based electrolytes is to decrease the resistivity at the grain boundary zone, especially in this low temperature range. Microstructure and morphology of the powder play a fundamental role on the densification behaviour and grain boundary properties, thus affecting the overall conductivity of electrolytes [2]. In this light, solution combustion syn-thesis (SCS) represents a flexible method to produce ultra fine powders with suitable mic…