Preparation of low-temperature sinterable BaCe0.8Sm0.2O3 powder by autoignition technique

Samarium-doped barium cerate powder has been synthesized by autoignition of citrate–nitrate gel. It has been found that the ratio of citrate/nitrate ions present in the initial solution plays an important role in controlling the enthalpy of the autoignition reaction as well as the gel decomposition temperature. Near phase pure material is obtained at a calcination temperature of only 850 °C and a sintered density of more than 99% of theoretical value is obtained at a temperature as low as 1300 °C.