Recent advances in low-temperature ceramic fuel cells: material design and applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Ceramic fuel cells (CFCs) are efficient, clean energy devices with diverse fuel options and no need for precious metal catalysts.
• Low-temperature CFCs (LT-CFCs) offer material flexibility, lower costs, and better durability than high-temperature counterparts.
• Decreasing operating temperatures in LT-CFCs significantly reduce electrolyte conductivity and electrode activity, hindering performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent progress in designing and developing key electrode and electrolyte materials for LT-CFCs.
• To highlight novel material design strategies and their impact on LT-CFC performance.
• To identify future challenges and prospects for LT-CFC material development.

Main Methods:

• Review of research over the last decade on LT-CFC materials.
• Focus on material design concepts, crystal structure, composition, and microstructure.
• Analysis of advanced strategies including machine learning, DFT, high-entropy, defect engineering, and surface reconstruction.

Main Results:

• Significant advancements in LT-CFC materials have been achieved through various innovative strategies.
• New materials demonstrate improved ionic conductivity and catalytic activity.
• Optimized material design enhances the overall performance of LT-CFCs.

Conclusions:

• LT-CFCs are crucial for sustainable energy, with material innovation driving performance improvements.
• Advanced design strategies are key to overcoming temperature-related limitations.
• Continued research into novel materials holds promise for the future of LT-CFC technology.