Solid Solution Precursors to Gadolinia-Doped Ceria Prepared via a Low-Temperature Solution Route

The conditions for the high-yield preparation of two crystalline solid solution precursors to high-purity gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) powder have been systematically investigated. Cerium−gadolinium solid solution formate and carbonate precursors were obtained directly from solution in crystalline form with small particle size, and their decomposition behavior was determined. The morphology of the precursor crystals and the GDC powders obtained by their decomposition were found to be influenced by the reactants, reaction temperature, and the reaction method. The GDC powders were easily densified, and the measured ionic conductivities are comparable to the best literature data.