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Updated: Oct 29, 2026
Probing and Mapping Electrode Surfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Published on: September 20, 2012
Navigating the Stability Crisis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Cathodes in CO2 Atmosphere: Poisoning Mechanisms, Material
Wenhui Li1, Hui Fan1, Yinzhuo Jia1
1Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, Hebei Key Laboratory of Resource Low-carbon Utilization and New Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The carbonatation poisoning of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) cathode materials in CO2-containing atmospheres, which leads to a sharp decline in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and performance degradation. This seriously limits their long-term stability and practical application under medium- to low-temperature conditions. Therefore, developing cathode materials that possess both high ORR activity and excellent CO2 tolerance has become a current research focus. Although existing reviews have surveyed CO2 poisoning phenomena in SOFC cathodes, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding the systematic correlation between degradation mechanisms and rational cathode modification strategies. This paper reviews the poisoning mechanisms of SOFC cathodes in a CO2 environment, including the formation of carbonates on the cathode surface, the reduction in oxygen reduction reaction efficiency, and the deterioration of performance and stability. It also focuses on summarizing recent material design and modification strategies aimed at improving cathode performance and CO2 tolerance, and compares the effectiveness of various strategies in enhancing cathode CO2 resistance. Through a systematic review of recent related research, this paper aims to provide a clear theoretical framework and design ideas for developing CO2-tolerant cathodes with high activity and stability, in order to promote the practical application of SOFC in carbon-containing environments.
