Factors governing oxygen reduction in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes.

Recent worldwide interest in building a decentralized, hydrogen-based energy economy has refocused attention on the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) as a potential source of efficient, environmentally friendly, fuel-versatile electric power. Due to its high operating temperature, the SOFC offers several potential advantages over polymer-based fuel cells, including reversible electrode reactions, low internal resistance, high tolerance to typical catalyst poisons, production of high-quality waste heat for (among other uses) reformation of hydrocarbon fuels, as well as the possibility of burning hydrocarbon fuels directly. Today, SOFCs are much closer to commercial reality than they were 20 years ago, due largely to technological advances in electrode material composition, microstructure control, thin-film ceramic fabrication, and stack and system design. These advances have led to dozens of active SOFC development programs in both stationary and mobile power and contributed to commercialization or development in a number of related technologies, including gas sensors,1 solid-state electrolysis devices,2 and iontransport membranes for gas separation and partial oxidation.3 Many reviews are available which summarize the technological advances made in SOFCs over the last 15-35 yearssreaders who are primarily interested in knowing the state-of-the art in materials, design, and fabrication (including the electrodes) are encouraged to consult these reviews.4-12 This review focuses on the factors governing SOFC cathode performancesadvances we have made over † Dedicated to Brian Steele, 1929-2003. Researcher, Entrepreneur, Consensus Seeker. 4791 Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 4791−4843