A nanoscale perspective on solid oxide and semiconductor membrane fuel cells: materials and technology

Fuel cells could play an important role in the ongoing energy transition by providing clean and efficient conversion. Although solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is a potential alternative for large-scale applications, its commercialization limited electrolyte materials has not yet been realized. Progress on new functional semiconductor-ionic (SIMs) fundamentals of SOFCs will provide paths their research development. Herein, we discuss nanoscale electrochemistry phenomena SIMs context concepts advanced SOFCs. A traditional SOFC consists three-layer anode/electrolyte/cathode structure, where physically separated layer indispensable ion transport to support redox reaction prevent occurrence short circuiting. novel nano-SOFC concept proposed replace SIM or semiconductor membrane it can deliver superior performance, even at lower temperature range (< 500 °C). The scientific basis prospects this technological approach are presented discussed.