Oxygen redox and instability in energy ceramics

Energy ceramics, including solid electrolytes and catalysts for high-temperature fuel/electrolysis cells and oxide cathodes for batteries, often experience harsh chemical and electrochemical conditions. Practical and new applications require that these devices are oper-ated under ever more extreme redox conditions for higher energy density and power density. This challenges the stability of the en-ergy ceramic materials and calls for a better understanding of the degradation mechanisms and innovative strategies for degradation mitigation. Here we present our analysis and perspectives on degra-dation phenomena in three categories of electrochemical devices of practical interest, including solid oxide fuel/electrolysis cells, pro -tonic ceramic fuel/electrolysis cells, and lithium-ion batteries. We also discuss the stability/degradation of the key ceramic compo-nents from the view of oxygen redox and instability arising from anodic bias, transport limitation, and coupled electro-chemo-me-chanics at the virtual and physical interfaces. We hope these per-spectives provide design principles for electroceramic chemistry, microstructure, and processing.

Automated summary

Energy ceramics play important roles in high-temperature fuel/electrolysis cells and oxide batteries, but their stability is challenged by harsh chemical and electrochemical conditions. Understanding degradation mechanisms and developing innovative strategies for degradation mitigation are crucial for practical applications. This study analyzes and provides perspectives on degradation phenomena in different electrochemical devices, and discusses the stability and degradation of key ceramic components.