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

Abstract

Ceramic fuel cells (CFCs) are highly efficient and clean electrochemical energy conversion devices, featuring a wide range of available fuels (hydrogen, methane, ethanol and biomass gas) and the absence of the need for precious metal catalysts. They will play an important role in the future development of sustainable energy. Compared with high-temperature CFCs, low-temperature CFCs (LT-CFCs) have the advantages of a broader selection of materials, lower material cost, shorter start-up time, and enhanced thermal cycling durability. However, as the operating temperature decreases, the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte and the catalytic activity of the electrodes (cathode and anode) also significantly decrease, leading to a sharp decline in CFC performance. To address these issues, researchers have made significant efforts in the design and development of LT-CFC materials, including the design concept, crystal structure and properties, composition, microstructure and performance optimization of the materials. In this review, we systematically summarize the research progress in the design and development of key materials (electrodes and electrolytes) for LT-CFCs over the last decade, especially focusing on the new materials designed by various strategies, the rationale behind chosen solutions and the applications of these materials in LT-CFCs, specifically including machine learning, density functional theory calculations, high-entropy strategies, defect engineering, mechanical mixing, impregnation strategy, self-assembly, and surface reconstruction. Some potential challenges and prospects of key materials for LT-CFCs in the future are suggested.