Review of SOFC Cathode Performance Enhancement by Surface Modifications: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Cathode materials with high electrochemical catalytic activity, stability, and durability at medium/low temperatures are still critical challenges for the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Therefore, various surface modification techniques have been employed to improve the performance of SOFC cathodes. Significant achievements have been made in enhancing the cathode catalytic activity and durability by surface modification, including solution infiltration, the atomic layer deposition technique (ALD), and the one-pot method. Surface modification is considered to be one of the most effective approaches to enhance the catalytic activity and durability of the cathodes with the advantages of low cost and time savings. This review illustrates the fundamental principles, recent progress, advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and prospects of these advanced surface modification technologies. Furthermore, this article provides valuable guidance and potential directions for these surface modification methods toward the commercialization of SOFC technology.