Preparation of the high temperature proton conductor Ba3Ca1.18Nb1.82O8.73 via a wet chemical route

Abstract Ba 3 Ca 1.18 Nb 1.82 O 9− δ belongs to the class of complex perovskites recently introduced by Nowick et al. which are suitable as high temperature proton conductors (HTPCs). Here, its synthesis is described using a procedure which starts with the preparation of a solution containing Ba and Ca as acetates and Nb as a dispersed hydroxide precipitate. Further steps include the preparation of a paste, freeze drying, calcination and sintering. The characterization procedures include density and porosity measurements, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, conductivity measurements and, finally, thermogravimetry to check the water absorbing properties. Overall, the properties are comparable to those of conventionally prepared samples.