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Advances in Cathode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Complex Oxides without Alkaline Earth Metal Elements
Author(s) -
Chen Yubo,
Zhou Wei,
Ding Dong,
Liu Meilin,
Ciucci Francesco,
Tade Moses,
Shao Zongping
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201500537
Subject(s) - durability , commercialization , materials science , cathode , oxide , solid oxide fuel cell , alkaline earth metal , process engineering , fuel cells , electricity generation , nanotechnology , metal , electrode , chemical engineering , engineering , metallurgy , power (physics) , electrical engineering , composite material , chemistry , business , physics , anode , marketing , quantum mechanics
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent one of the cleanest and most efficient options for the direct conversion of a wide variety of fuels to electricity. For example, SOFCs powered by natural gas are ideally suited for distributed power generation. However, the commercialization of SOFC technologies hinges on breakthroughs in materials development to dramatically reduce the cost while enhancing performance and durability. One of the critical obstacles to achieving high‐performance SOFC systems is the cathodes for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which perform poorly at low temperatures and degrade over time under operating conditions. Here a comprehensive review of the latest advances in the development of SOFC cathodes is presented: complex oxides without alkaline earth metal elements (because these elements could be vulnerable to phase segregation and contaminant poisoning). Various strategies are discussed for enhancing ORR activity while minimizing the effect of contaminant on electrode durability. Furthermore, some of the critical challenges are briefly highlighted and the prospects for future‐generation SOFC cathodes are discussed. A good understanding of the latest advances and remaining challenges in searching for highly active SOFC cathodes with robust tolerance to contaminants may provide useful guidance for the rational design of new materials and structures for commercially viable SOFC technologies.