A review on the selection of anode materials for solid-oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the most widely used fuel cells because they exhibit flexibility, power generation efficiency, and low pollution formation. Research on SOFC anodes is a major and challenging task in the field of SOFCs. This review highlights the anode materials that may be used for SOFC applications. The use of cermet-based oxide materials as anodes for SOFCs is also discussed in detail. A literature survey conducted over the last 10 years shows that increased power generation efficiency may be attributed to anode materials used in such cells. Oxide-based anode materials with perovskite and several oxides with cubic fluorite structures are further described. Based on the review conducted, we find that cubic fluorite-structured compounds are the most promising anode materials reported thus far. Analyses of the structure and electrical performance of anode materials show as well that copper–gadolinium-doped cerium oxide (Cu–GDC) cubic fluorite-structured anodes exhibit higher electronic conductivity potential than yttria-stabilized zirconia-based anode materials.