Sinteractivity, proton conductivity and chemical stability of BaZr0.7In0.3O3-δ for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)

In3+ was used as dopant for BaZrO3 proton conductor and 30 at%-doped BaZrO3 samples (BaZr0.7In0.3O3-δ, BZI) were prepared as electrolyte materials for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The BZI material showed a much improved sinteractivity compared with the conventional Y-doped BaZrO3. The BZI pellets reached almost full density after sintering at 1600 °C for 10 h, whereas the Y-doped BaZrO3 samples still remained porous under the same sintering conditions. The conductivity measurements indicated that BZI pellets showed smaller bulk but improved grain boundary proton conductivity, when compared with Y-doped BaZrO3 samples. A total proton conductivity of 1.7 × 10−3 S cm−1 was obtained for the BZI sample at 700 °C in wet 10% H2 atmosphere. The BZI electrolyte material also showed adequate chemical stability against CO2 and H2O, which is promising for application in fuel cells.

► The poor sinteractivity of BaZrO3 can be overcome by using In3+ dopant.
► In-doped samples showed improved grain boundary conductivity.
► In-doped BaZrO3 materials showed good chemical stability in pure CO2 and H2O.
► The In-doped BaZrO3 fuel cell showed a promising performance.