Abstract
CrxCe1-xPO4 (x=0.00-0.20) nanorods were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD results revealed the formation of a pure CePO4 hexagonal phase. TEM images confirmed the nano-size character of the as-prepared samples. Impedance spectroscopy analysis was used to analyze the electrical behavior of samples as a function of frequency at different temperatures. The increase of Cr-amount led to an increase in the total conductivities and decreased the activation energies (E-a (x = 0.00) = 1.08 eV to E-a (x = 0.20) = 0.80 eV). The optical properties of CrxCe1-xPO4 nanomaterials were investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. The band-gap energy values decreased with increasing Cr-content showing a red-shift trend. The improvement of the electrical conductivity and optical properties makes the CrxCe1-xPO4 nanomaterials possible candidates to be used as electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells, in photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.