Advances in Inkjet-Printed Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are high temperature galvanic devices able to electrochemically convert chemical energy of fuels to electrical energy at remarkably high efficiencies. However, several challenges, associated with the complexity, scalability, and cost of the current fabrication processes, remain to be resolved for their large-scale deployment. Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods are proposed to address such fabrication-related issues, with Inkjet Printing (IJP) being one of the most promising. In this review, the use of IJP is examined as a potential AM method to deposit electrode and electrolyte thin films for SOFCs. The most important aspects of IJP for SOFCs fabrication processes, including ink formulation of active materials, inkjet deposition, printing optimization, and characterization of inkjet-printed thin films, are described in detail. Additionally, the effect on electrochemical performance of inkjet-printed SOFCs highlights the overall potential of this fabrication technique. Challenges and opportunities for the future development of the topic are also discussed.

Automated summary

This review examines the potential and challenges of using inkjet printing (IJP) in the fabrication processes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The key aspects of IJP for SOFCs fabrication, including ink formulation, deposition, optimization, and characterization, are described in detail. The effect of inkjet-printed SOFCs on electrochemical performance is highlighted, demonstrating the overall potential of this fabrication technique. Challenges and opportunities for the future development of this topic are also discussed.