Superionic conductive La³⁺ and Pr³⁺ Co-doped cerium oxide for IT-SOFC applications

La³⁺ and Pr³⁺ co-doped cerium oxide compositions were synthesized and examined as prospective electrolytes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) applications. The cubic fluorite structure was confirmed with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman studies. High-resolution scanning electron microscope (HR-SEM) micrographs depicted the distribution of particles in a narrowed manner on the porous structure and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) image exhibited the particles are roughly in a spherical shape. Ultraviolet and photoluminescence spectra affirmed the formation of oxygen vacancies. Thermal analysis at an intermediate temperature range affirmed the high thermal stability without any structural transitions and decompositions. High thermal expansion coefficient values were observed at the intermediate temperature range. The ionic conductivity drastically enhanced with the incorporation of La³⁺ dopant and Ce_0.8La_0.1Pr_0.1O_2−δ solid electrolyte expressed the highest conductivity of 1.84 × 10⁻¹ S/cm at 600 °C. Hence, Ce_0.8La_0.1Pr_0.1O_2−δ solid electrolyte is an excellent candidate in the IT-SOFC field.