Solid oxide fuel cell: Materials for anode, cathode and electrolyte

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cell technology is the technology which can be driving force to change the course of action of the modern era due to its optimal power generation features with maximum electrical efficiency for automobiles and household devices. Fuel cells can be best described as electrochemical devices that make use of fuel oxidation to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and also lower the amount of oxidant simultaneously.A typical SOFC consists of a cathode, anode and an electrolyte constituting a single cell. These single cells are stacked together for a bigger assembly to produce higher degree of power. The solid electrolyte fills the gap between the cathode and anode transporting O2− ions only. This leaves out electrons as transporting medium, which then pass through the cell via external circuit. Out of the two electrodes, oxidation of fuel takes place at the anode and reduction of oxygen takes place at the cathode. The SOFCs operate at higher temperatures of 600–1200°C producing heat as a byproduct of high quality, actively encouraging quick electrocatalysis utilizing non-precious metals and allowing internal restructuration. The SOFC can also work with high purity hydrogen for proton transport other than O2− ion transport. There are many ceramic materials which have been engineered to act as efficient electrolyte materials. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the most widely used material as solid electrolyte in SOFC.The present review presents a detailed overview of the SOFC related materials and devices and is an effort to present various reported works in a concise manner.