Development of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) Cathode Materials

Hydrogen generation through high temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) has recently received increasingly international interest in the large-scale, highly efficient nuclear hydrogen production field. To achieve cost competitive electrolysis cells that are both high performing i.e. minimum internal resistance of the cell, and long-term stable, it is critical to develop electrode materials that are optimal for steam electrolysis. In this paper, the cathode materials of SOEC are reviewed. Ni-YSZ and Ni-SDC/GDC cermets are promising cathode materials for SOEC working at high temperature. The solid oxide matierials are promising cathode materials for SOEC working in atmospheres with low content of H-2,e.g. in smaller scale generators used intermittently without H-2 purging. More works, both experimental and theoretical, are needed to further develop SOEC cathode materials.