A novel sintering method to obtain fully dense gadolinia doped ceria by applying a direct current

► We reported for the first time that GDC electrolyte could be sintered to full dense at an extremely low temperature under an applied DC electric field. ► At the same time, we show that the grain size of sintered GDC electrolyte decreased with the increase of the applied field. ► This new approach will greatly change the manufacturing approach of SOFCs and will indicate a feasible way for the building of Nano orderly anode support SOFCs. ► Besides, it will improve the ionic conductivity and the mechanical properties of GDC electrolyte. ► These results may also have general implication in lowering the temperature of SOFCs.