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Advanced Cobalt-Free Perovskite Oxide-Based Air Electrodes for Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cells
Maochun Ou1, Shanqing He1, Yongning Yi1
1State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Cobalt-free air electrodes enhance protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) for green hydrogen production. This review details design strategies for high-performance, durable cobalt-free electrodes, overcoming limitations of cobalt-based materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy Technologies
Background:
- Protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) offer advantages for green hydrogen production, including lower operating temperatures and higher efficiency compared to traditional solid oxide electrolysis cells.
- However, PCEC performance is limited by slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics and inadequate triple conductivity (H+/O2-/e-) in air electrodes, especially at lower temperatures.
- Developing stable and efficient air electrodes is crucial, but cobalt-based perovskites, while active, suffer from instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review advancements in designing cobalt-free air electrodes for PCECs.
- To highlight the mechanisms, influencing factors, and advantages of cobalt-free perovskites over cobalt-based alternatives.
- To propose design strategies for boosting OER activity, durability, and thermo-mechanical compatibility of cobalt-free air electrodes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing research on PCEC air electrodes.
- Examination of fundamental mechanisms governing OER kinetics and electrode conductivity.
- Evaluation of design strategies for cobalt-free perovskite materials.
Main Results:
- Cobalt-free perovskite oxides show promise as alternatives to cobalt-based materials, offering improved stability.
- Various design strategies can enhance OER activity, durability, and thermo-mechanical properties of cobalt-free air electrodes.
- Understanding performance-influencing factors is key to optimizing electrode design.
Conclusions:
- Cobalt-free air electrodes are essential for advancing PCEC technology for efficient green hydrogen production.
- Further research into rational design principles is needed to overcome current limitations and achieve widespread application of PCECs.
- Addressing challenges related to stability, conductivity, and cost will be critical for future developments.
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