Preparation of dense La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ with high ionic conductivity by solid-state synthesis

The results of a systematic investigation on the effects of processing steps, via solid-state reactions, on structural phase characteristics and ionic conductivity of La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ solid electrolyte are reported. The main purpose of this work is to establish an optimized route for obtaining good densification and high ionic conductivity of this solid electrolyte. Processing routes with three successive calcinations at 1250 °C followed by attrition milling (R1), and with two sequences of calcination at 1350 °C with intermediary attrition milling (R2) give rise to near full density at 1450 °C sintering temperature. The rate of grain growth is fast when the relative density reaches 95%. Elemental mapping reveals uniform distribution of the constituents in the matrix along with La4Ga2O9, LaSrGa3O7 and sub-micrometer MgO grains at grain boundaries. The ionic conductivity of grains remains unchanged with the processing route and sintering profile. The blocking effect of charge carriers at grain boundaries decreases with increasing the dwell temperature.