Scientometric review of proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (P–SOFCs) are promising energy conversion devices that convert chemical energy directly to electrical energy. P–SOFCs have attracted significant attention in the past few years because of their superiority over the oxygen-ion-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (O–SOFCs) in terms of better feasibility of efficient operation at lower temperatures, non-dilution of fuel at the anode, and higher theoretical efficiency. This review focuses on the scientometric analysis of 1008 quality articles retrieved from the Scopus database. The historical trends and progress in P–SOFCs are presented starting from the inception of the demonstration of the concept of proton conductivity in solid oxide fuel cells from 1986 to 2021. Furthermore, the notable achievements in the material development of various components of P–SOFC are expounded. The scientometric analysis reveals that only 28% of the countries in the world are involved in P–SOFC research and the National Natural Science Foundation of China is the top featured funding sponsor for many research studies related to P–SOFC development. This article can serve as an easy guide for P–SOFC research enthusiasts to navigate through the overview of this research area and identify potential collaborators, funding sponsors, most impactful researchers, countries, and articles.