An overview of degradation in solid oxide fuel cells-potential clean power sources

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have emerged as the potential power generating devices, being profoundly effective, biofuel-based, and causing negligible harm to the environment. The commercialization of this device would introduce a new revolution in the field of electronic devices and power age. The performance of SOFCs is subject to the efficient working of its significant segments like anode, cathode, electrolyte, interconnect, and sealant. The mechanism of working of a SOFC, the kinetics and thermodynamics involved, as well as the composition of the fuel utilized are other vital variables in-charge of the performance of SOFCs. The serious issue with these devices has been the degradation of the components at high temperatures because of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Plenty of researchers have attempted to address this issue of degradation. Despite the fact that there are a large number of articles and reviews on corrosion, very few comprehensive reports have been published. In this review, various aspects of degradation have been covered including the mechanism, remedies, and alternatives as proposed by various researchers. It is a comprehensive review of degradation in SOFCs covering the most recent advances in the study of degradation and its mitigation measures.