Exploration of Ba–Ta-based double perovskite oxides for oxygen ion conduction guided by structural parameters
摘要
Development of sustainable solutions is being carried out globally, and efforts are focused on efficient technology that will lead to better utilization of fuel and lower emissions of carbon dioxide. Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is one of the viable and unscalable options that will avoid emissions of carbon dioxide by many folds in producing electricity. In the present work, we report a novel approach to the development of an electrolyte for SOFC applications. In literature, a number of compounds have been investigated based on doped CeO2, ZrO2 and LaGaO3. Lanthanum gallate exhibits a perovskite structure and is referred to as ABO3 in general. ABO3 materials have been investigated for a wide range of applications in the literature. Furthermore, in the enhancement of oxygen ion conductivity, it has been established that appropriate doping of the A and B sites in the ABO3 perovskite structure leads to the formation of oxygen ion vacancies and results in higher ionic conductivity. It has been found that a tolerance factor (TF) around 0.96 and a large specific free volume (SFV) are prerequisites for a higher ionic conductivity. In the present study, based on parameters, namely SFV and TF, a new family of compounds having a perovskite structure is proposed as a possible candidate for an oxygen ion conductor. Amongst these compounds, BaY0.5Ta0.5O3, having a favourable set of parameters, demanding thorough investigation, has been selected for the study. Aluminium-doped BaY0.5Ta0.5O3 has been synthesized using a solid-state reaction. Synthesis of a single phase has been confirmed using X-ray diffraction. Synthesized powder is compacted and sintered pellets have been used for conductivity measurement. In the present work, we report the synthesis and characterization of doped BaY0.5Ta0.5O3 compounds.