Journal of Inorganic Materials

   

Research Progress of Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Hydrogen-Containing Fuel

XUE Zixuan1,2, YIN Chaofan1,2, YAO Yuechao2, WANG Yanmin2,3, SUN Yueyue1, LIU Zhengrong1, ZHOU Yucun2, ZHOU Jun1, WU Kai1   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation of Power Equipment, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China;
    2. Beijing Huairou Laboratory, Beijing 101400, China;
    3. Institute for Advanced Materials and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2025-03-29 Revised:2025-06-04
  • Contact: ZHOU Yucun, professor. E-mail: zhouyucun@hrl.ac.cn; ZHOU Jun, associate professor. E-mail: zhoujun@mail.xitu.edu.cn
  • About author:XUE Zixuan(1996-), male, PhD candidate. E-mail: xuezixuanx@hotmail.com
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China (52377212); Program of Beijing Huairou Laboratory (ZD2022006A); Key R&D Program of Shaanxi Province (2023-YBGY-057)

Abstract: Driven by global energy transition and carbon neutrality goals, Proton-conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (P-SOFCs) have become a research hotspot in clean energy technology due to their advantages of efficient medium-to-low temperature power generation (400-600 ℃), excellent fuel compatibility, and high energy conversion efficiency. This review analyzes the development prospects of hydrogen-containing fuel P-SOFCs. Addressing key technological bottlenecks, this review focuses on three core dimensions including material design, reaction mechanisms, and characterization techniques to summarize research progress and technical challenges in hydrocarbon-fueled and ammonia-fueled P-SOFCs systems. For hydrocarbon-fueled P-SOFCs, the carbon deposition issue is thoroughly examined. The formation mechanisms, characterization methods, and influencing factors on carbon deposition are discussed in depth. Advanced improvement strategies are highlighted, including modification of reforming catalysts, optimization of proton-conducting electrolytes, and novel design of electrodes. Regarding direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs), challenges related to insufficient anode durability are addressed. Critical influencing factors are identified as catalyst activity, support types, nitridation corrosion mechanisms, hydrogen partial pressure, ammonia flow rate, and anode microstructure. Based on cutting-edge research, novel improvement strategies, such as anode modification, optimization of anode catalytic layers, and innovative cell structure designs, are summarized. This review outlines future development directions to advance the commercialization of hydrogen-containing fuel P-SOFCs.

Key words: solid oxide fuel cell, proton conductor, hydrocarbon fuel, ammonia, review

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