BaZr(0.5)Ce(0.3)Ln(0.2)O(3-delta) (BZCLn532, Ln = Y, Sm, Gd, Dy) based electrolytes were successfully synthesized by a cost-effective solid-state reactive sintering (SSRS) method while using 1.0 wt.% NiO as a sintering aid. Dense pellets of BZCLn532 compounds can be prepared at sintering temperatures of 1600 degrees C (BZCY532) and 1400 degrees C (BZCS532, BZCG532 and BZCD532). The conductivities of the dense BZCLn532 ceramics were tested in dry and wet air at temperatures of 700 degrees C-200 degrees C. On the basis of the obtained results, it could be concluded that the BZCY532-based electrolyte show promise for use as oxygen-ion conductors and proton conductors in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.