Synthesis and characterization of nano-crystalline Ce1−xGdxO2−x/2 (x=0–0.30) solid solutions

Abstract In recent years, doped ceria is an established and promising candidate as solid electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC). In this investigation, synthesis and characterizations of nano-crystalline Gd doped ceria, (Ce 1− x Gd x O 2− x /2 , where x  = 0–0.3), prepared using glycine–nitrate process (GNP) has been presented. Evolution of structural and morphological properties of nano-powders as a function of heat treatment has also been studied. The prepared samples were characterized using TG–DTA, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, etc. In addition, the effect of Gd content over the micro-structural properties of nano-crystalline Gd doped ceria was investigated. Raman analysis of calcined powders confirms the formation of the solid solution of Ce 1− x Gd x O 2− x /2 instead of mixture of CeO 2 and Gd 2 O 3 . The solid solutions obeyed Vegard's rule very well. Grain growth of sintered samples was observed to hinder with an increase in Gd content.