Protonic Conduction in the BaNdInO₄ Structure Achieved by Acceptor Doping

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid-State Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Layered perovskite oxides are explored for energy applications.
• Protonic conductivity in oxides is crucial for fuel cells and sensors.
• Doping strategies are employed to enhance ionic transport in ceramic materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the proton conductivity of calcium-doped BaNdInO4.
• To evaluate the effect of calcium substitution on the structural and electrical properties.
• To determine the potential of these materials as proton conductors.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of BaNd1-xCaxInO4- ceramics.
• Electrical conductivity measurements using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• High-temperature X-ray diffraction and DC conductivity measurements.

Main Results:

• Acceptor-doped ceramics exhibited 1-2 orders of magnitude higher total conductivities than the pristine material.
• The highest conductivity of 2.6 × 10-3 S cm-1 was achieved in BaNd0.8Ca0.2InO3.90 at 750 °C.
• Conductivity increased in humid environments, and protonic defects were identified.

Conclusions:

• Calcium-doped BaNdInO4 demonstrates significantly improved proton conductivity.
• The material shows potential as a fast proton conductor.
• Further research can optimize these materials for electrochemical devices.