Proton Conduction in Lanthanum-Doped Ceria

Although rare earth doped cerias are well-known for their oxide ion conductivity, our ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have revealed their potential as fast proton conducting solids for potential use in low temperature proton ceramic fuel cells (PTFCs). A total neutron scattering study of deuterated lanthanum doped ceria, La0.5Ce0.5O1.75(D2O)0.065, is proposed. Through reverse Monte Carlo analysis of these data, it is aimed to reveal details of the local structure including location of water molecules in the structure and whether there is association of these water molecules with the dopant cations.