Abstract
The electrochemical characteristics of porous Pt and La0.8Sr0.2CoO3−δ (LSC)
electrodes has been found to depend strongly on polishing of the underlying
Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ (SDC)
electrolyte using SiC and/or diamond prior to cell fabrication. The effect of
surface treatment on the microstructure and composition of SDC was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and
electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. After high-temperature sintering, the surface of SDC is Sm-enriched and has granular
morphology; grinding or polishing removes this grained layer and leads to a decrease in Sm concentration. Refiring of the polished
electrolyte at 1450–1650°C results in restoration of the grain structure and Sm composition on the surface. It was found using
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy that the surface treatment most strongly influences the high-frequency component of the
impedance, suggesting the changes are associated primarily with an interfacial resistance.
# Graphical Abstract
