Progress and challenges of cathode contact layer for solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

The contact layer is to provide and maintain a stable conductive path between interconnects and electrodes in a planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack, which effects contact resistance and stack power loss. The materials used in the contact layer are well developed. This article focuses on cathode contact materials. The role and material requirements of the cathode contact layer in the SOFC stack are reviewed. The common cathode contact layer materials are listed, and their electrical properties as the cathode contact layer are discussed. Due to the evolution of the SOFC stack, the preparation technology and form of the cathode contact layer have changed. Finally, the future challenges of the cathode contact layer are presented.