New ceramic superionic materials for IT-SOFC applications

The syntheses of new ceramic superionic materials based on Bi2O3 (BIMEVOX and ?-Bi2O3), their elemental analyses, thermodynamical stability, and electrical properties are presented. The materials show high ionic conductivities (ca. 0.1 S/cm) at a relatively low temperature (600 °C), which makes them applicable as electrolytes in IT-SOFC fuel cells. Ionic conductivity measurements of these materials were performed with the DC (four probe configuration) and IS (impedance spectroscopy) methods, whereas structural research was performed using X-ray spectroscopy. Investigations of the thermodynamic stability of the elaborated materials in oxygen-free atmosphere were also performed. Based on the results of the investigations, the most suitable superionic conductors for fuel cell were selected.