A novel route to enhance the sinterability and its effect on microstructure, conductivity and chemical stability of BaCe0.4Zr0.4Y0.2O3-δ proton conductors

- Two-step sintering of BCZY vis-à-vis conventional and Zn-aided sintering was evaluated.
- Conventional sintering was ineffective and density decreased with decreasing sintering time.
- Two-step sintering was found very effective yielding 95% relative density.
- Zn-doping also improved the densification but the conductivity was adversely affected.
- Two-step sintered samples showed highest conductivity.