An efficient Sm and Ge co-doped ceria nanocomposite electrolyte for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

In this study we present a new nanocomposite electrolyte based on samarium (Sm) and germanium (Ge) co-doped ceria Ce0.7Sm0.15Ge0.15O2-δ (SGeDC). The nanocomposite electrolyte was prepared using co-precipitation method. The crystal structure and surface morphology were determined using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Four probe dc conductivity indicated the value of 0.074S/cm at 650°C. The Fuel cell performance was carried out using hydrogen as fuel. The maximum OCV observed was 0.95V while the peak power density came out to be 600mW/cm2 at 600°C. It is suggested that adding Ge, the conductivity as well as performance of this new nanocomposite electrolyte is comparatively enhanced and it can find potential applications in low temperature solid oxide Fuel cells (LTSOFCs).