Synthesis and characterization of gadolinia-doped ceria–silver cermet cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells

A series of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ–Ag cermets with different Ag contents were prepared by conventional sintering process aiming at assessing the suitability of using them as cathode material for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with Gadolinia-doped ceria electrolyte. The chemical compatibility between Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ (CGO) and Ag was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thermal expansion coefficients of the cermets were measured as a function of Ag content and were found to increase with metallic content. Although oxygen adsorption at the surface of the cermets could be detected, no reaction or solid solubility between CGO and Ag was found.