A perspective on low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

ZHAN GAO; LILIANA MOGNI; ELIZABETH C. MILLER; JUSTIN G. RAILSBACK; SCOTT BARNETT

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY

Lugar: CAMBRIDGE; Año: 2016 vol. 9 p. 1602 - 1644

1754-5692

This article provides a perspective on solid oxide fuel cells operating at low temperature, defined here to be the range from B400 1C to 650 1C. These low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) have seen considerable research and development and are widely viewed as the ??next generation?? technology, following the 650?850 1C SOFCs that are currently undergoing commercialization. LT-SOFCs have potential advantages for conventional SOFC applications such as stationary power generation, and may be viable for new portable and transportation power applications, along with electrolytic fuel production and energy storage. The characteristics of electrolyte and electrode materials are reviewed, with a focus on materials that have demonstrated good properties and cell performance at low temperature. Only oxygen-ion-conducting electrolytes are considered here. Anode materials are discussed, primarily the various Ni?cermet anode compositions that yield good low-temperature performance. Mixed ionically and electronically conducting cathode materials are described in detail, reflecting the extensive research activity that has aimed at providing useful oxygen reduction kinetics at low operating temperature. Cell design, materials compatibility, processing methods, and resulting microstructures are discussed, along with their role in determining cell performance. Results from state of the art LT-SOFCs are presented, and future prospects are discussed.