Advances in low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells: An explanatory review

This review article explores recent advancements and potential advantages of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs), offering a comprehensive overview of critical developments in the field. It highlights the significance of utilizing oxygen ion conducting electrolytes such as La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3–type (LSGM) perovskties and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) in LT-SOFCs, emphasizing their role in facilitating efficient oxygen transport at lower temperatures. Furthermore, the review discusses the importance of electrode tailoring at the nanoscale using techniques like sol-gel and pulsed laser deposition (PLD), which have been shown to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode, thereby improving overall cell performance. One of the key focal points of the review is the exploration of perovskite structures and their imperative characteristics in LT-SOFCs. Specifically, it elucidates how oxygen defects within perovskites contribute to the migration of oxygen ions, consequently augmenting electrical conductivity within the cell. This discussion underscores the significance of understanding the fundamental principles governing ion transport mechanisms in electrolyte materials, which is crucial for the development of next-generation LT-SOFCs with improved efficiency and performance. Moreover, the review highlights recent advancements in the fabrication of nanoscale electrolyte films, which have shown promising results in reducing series resistance and enhancing cell performance at lower temperatures. Techniques such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), and spark plasma sintering (SPS) are discussed in the context of fabricating these nanoscale membranes, underscoring their potential for revolutionizing LT-SOFC technology. Overall, this review consolidates recent research findings and technological advancements in the field of LT-SOFCs, shedding light on the novel approaches and strategies employed to overcome existing challenges and propel the development of more efficient and practical fuel cell systems. By synthesizing key insights and highlighting future research directions, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working towards the advancement of LT-SOFC technology.