Comparison between Y-doped ceria and Ho-doped ceria: Electrical conduction and microstructures

The electrical conduction and microstructure in Y-doped ceria and Ho-doped ceria were investigated. Visible differences between the two doped ceria were observed. The plots of conductivity of Y-doped ceria are well fit to the Arrhenius behavior, while curvature and kinks were observed on the plots of Ho-doped ceria. Such deviation from the Arrhenius behavior could be related to the existence of precipitates in Ho-doped ceria. It indicates that the electrolytic conductivity of doped ceria could be significantly influenced by microstructure features.