Research Article

Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications

Number: 064 March 30, 2026

Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the structural, thermal, and electrical properties of Sm³⁺–Eu³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) ceramics for use as solid electrolytes in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Solid solutions with the formula (Bi₂O₃)₁₋ₓ₋ᵧ₋𝓏(Sm₂O₃)ₓ(Eu₂O₃)ᵧ(Yb₂O₃)𝓏 were synthesized via solid-state reaction and sintered at 750 °C for 100 hours. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation and retention of the high-conductivity δ-phase structure after high-temperature electrical testing. Dense and uniform microstructures were observed by SEM, with only minor grain coarsening when relatively high amounts of Yb³⁺ were incorporated into the ceramic materials. TG/DTA data confirm the thermal stability of these materials as they exhibit very little mass loss and no phase transitions to 850 °C. The electrical conductivity data demonstrate thermal activation of conduction, with the most conductive samples containing 5 mol% Yb₂O₃; further addition of Yb₂O₃ caused clustering of defects, which resulted in reduced conductivities. The results of this investigation further demonstrate that triple-doping with rare-earth oxides can effectively provide thermal and structural stability to the δ-Bi₂O₃ phase and, therefore, allow for the development of thermally and structurally stable electrolytes as potential candidates for IT-SOFCs. This work provides the basis for the use of these sustainable functional ceramics in future energy applications.

Keywords

Thanks

The author would like to acknowledge the support of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Center for Science and Technology Application and Research for providing the measurement facilities used in this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Material Physics, Structural Properties of Condensed Matter, Surface Properties of Condensed Matter, Condensed Matter Physics (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 30, 2026

Submission Date

May 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 7, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 064

APA
Polat, Y. (2026). Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications. Journal of Scientific Reports-A, 064, 48-59. https://doi.org/10.59313/jsr-a.1695279
AMA
1.Polat Y. Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications. JSR-A. 2026;(064):48-59. doi:10.59313/jsr-a.1695279
Chicago
Polat, Yasin. 2026. “Structure–property Relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb Co-Doped δ-Bi₂O₃ Ceramics Synthesized for Advanced Solid Electrolyte Applications”. Journal of Scientific Reports-A, nos. 064: 48-59. https://doi.org/10.59313/jsr-a.1695279.
EndNote
Polat Y (March 1, 2026) Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications. Journal of Scientific Reports-A 064 48–59.
IEEE
[1]Y. Polat, “Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications”, JSR-A, no. 064, pp. 48–59, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.59313/jsr-a.1695279.
ISNAD
Polat, Yasin. “Structure–property Relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb Co-Doped δ-Bi₂O₃ Ceramics Synthesized for Advanced Solid Electrolyte Applications”. Journal of Scientific Reports-A. 064 (March 1, 2026): 48-59. https://doi.org/10.59313/jsr-a.1695279.
JAMA
1.Polat Y. Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications. JSR-A. 2026;:48–59.
MLA
Polat, Yasin. “Structure–property Relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb Co-Doped δ-Bi₂O₃ Ceramics Synthesized for Advanced Solid Electrolyte Applications”. Journal of Scientific Reports-A, no. 064, Mar. 2026, pp. 48-59, doi:10.59313/jsr-a.1695279.
Vancouver
1.Yasin Polat. Structure–property relationships in Sm–Eu–Yb co-doped δ-Bi₂O₃ ceramics synthesized for advanced solid electrolyte applications. JSR-A. 2026 Mar. 1;(064):48-59. doi:10.59313/jsr-a.1695279