Progress in proton-conducting oxides as electrolytes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells: From materials to devices

Among various types of alternative energy devices, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at low temperatures (300-600 degrees C) show the advantages for both stationary and mobile electricity production. Proton-conducting oxides as electrolyte materials play a critical role in the low-temperature SOFCs (LT-SOFCs). This review summarizes progress in proton-conducting solid oxide electrolytes for LT-SOFCs from materials to devices, with emphases on (1) strategies that have been proposed to tune the structures and properties of proton-conducting oxides and ceramics, (2) techniques that have been employed for improving the performance of the protonic ceramic-based SOFCs (known as PCFCs), and (3) challenges and opportunities in the development of proton-conducting electrolyte-based PCFCs.

Automated summary

Solid oxide fuel cells operating at low temperatures (300-600 degrees C) have advantages for stationary and mobile electricity production, with proton-conducting oxides playing a critical role. Progress in proton-conducting solid oxide electrolytes for low-temperature SOFCs has been summarized, focusing on strategies to tune the structures and properties of proton-conducting oxides, techniques for improving performance of protonic ceramic-based SOFCs, and challenges and opportunities in the development of proton-conducting electrolyte-based PCFCs.