Phase, porosity, and conductivity analysis of RbH₂PO₄/CeP₂O₇ nanocomposites

The properties of synthesized pure rubidium dihydrogen phosphate (RbH₂PO₄) (RDP) and the version doped with CeP₂O₇ are explored in this article. The pure RDP/doped samples were created using a simple chemical synthesis method. Analysis of the samples surface morphology with X-ray diffraction revealed sharp peaks of RDP at specific angles, and the doped CeP₂O₇ exhibited corresponding XRD angles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed distinct outlines and consistent sizes for the RDP and CeP₂O₇ particles, with no visible grain or grain boundaries. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to confirm the elements and purity, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra revealed the different bonds present in the microstructures of powders and sintered specimen. The surface area of the porous materials was measured using Brunauer-Emmett Teller (BET) to characterize the mesoporous materials with their high surface area, which is ideal for adsorption and contributes to the improvement of ionic conductivity. The powder surface of CeP₂O₇ observed weight loss of 0.16%, 0.26%, 3.5%, and 11.59% at a temperature of 136 °C due to the release of physiosorbed water molecules. At 325 °C, RDP experienced a weight loss of 6.89%, corresponding to the complete formation of Rb₂H₂P₂O₇. At 300 °C, RDP exhibited a maximum conductivity of 8.77 × 10^–3 Scm⁻¹. CeP₂O₇ displayed its highest conductivity value of 3.16 × 10^–6 Scm⁻¹ at 300 °C. The obtained results indicate in the improvement of conductivity and stability of composite (RDP/CeP₂O₇) samples by using a novel doping material, that was found for the molar ratio A1 (0.95RDP/0.05CeP₂O₇) and measured the conductivity, 1.78 × 10⁻² Scm⁻¹ at 317 °C. This novel doping material at a particular molar ratio was showing a favorable choice for use as an electrolyte in fuel cells.