Exploring the Effect of NiO Addition to La0.99Ca0.01NbO4 Proton-Conducting Ceramic Oxides

To improve the performance and overcome processing difficulties of La0.99Ca0.01NbO4 proton-conducting ceramic oxide, external internal strategies were used, respectively, to modify with NiO. The strategy refers use NiO as a sintering aid. was added synthesized powder secondary phase, which is traditional way using dopant for La0.99Ca0.01NbO4. Both sinterability conductivity, but effect doping more significant in enhancing both grain growth making it desirable practical applications. Subsequently, influences different concentrations compared explore optimal ratio dopant. It found that sample 1 or 2 wt.% had similar performance, while 5 wt.%, content hampered growth. In addition, inhomogeneous distribution element high-NiO be detrimental electrochemical suggesting moderate suitable electrolyte improved performance. Furthermore, first-principle calculations indicate origin enhanced internally modified sample, lowers oxygen formation energy hydration un-modified one, facilitating proton migration.