XPS and impedance spectroscopy of some oxygen vacancy conducting solid electrolyte ceramics

The powder of 10GDC, 15SDC, and 8YSZ compounds with different surface areas (SBET) was used for the sintering of the ceramics. The sintering of the ceramic samples was conducted in air at 1773 K. The surfaces of the ceramics were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The complex impedance and electric conductivity in frequency range (10–3⋅109) Hz and temperature range from 300 to 700 K were carried out. Relaxation dispersions of the electrical parameters were found for all compounds. The dispersions are caused by the oxygen vacancy (VO
•
• )transport in grain boundaries and bulk of the ceramic samples. The values of the bulk and total conductivities of the samples depend on the SBET of the powder used for sintering of the ceramics.

Research Highlights
► The ceramics of 10GDC, 15SDC and 8YSZ were sintered.
► The surfaces of the ceramics were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
► The complex impedance of the ceramics were carried out.
► The values of the bulk conductivity are dependent on SBET of the powder used for sintering of the ceramics.