Synthesis of Nd-doped barium cerate proton conductor from oxalate coprecipitate precursor

The decomposition process of barium, cerium and neodymium oxalates in air was investigated by DTA-TG. Decomposition of an oxalate coprecipitate precursor and formation of barium cerate were examined in air, N2 and CO2 atmospheres, respectively, by employing DTA-TG and XRD. The results showed that, in air, cerium oxalate could easily be decomposed to CeO2 below 350°C and Nd2O3 could be obtained at 670°C, while a high temperature of >1400°C was needed to obtain BaO.

Although some amount of BaCeO3 was formed at 500°C in air, at 650°C in N2 and at 800°C in CO2, single perovskite phase of BaCeO3 could only be obtained at a much higher temperature.