High Temperature Solid Oxide Reactors for Energy Systems

Abstract

In the context of energy transition, high temperature solid oxide electrochemical reactors have the unique capability of reversible operation i.e. both fuel cell and electrolysis modes, at high efficiency. However reversing the potential implies new stresses and new challenges for the selection of functional materials in the quest of long lasting and cost effective Solid Oxide Electrochemical Reactors. If metal supported architecture can provide a strong asset for the next generation of robust and flexible solid oxide cell, the implementation of proton conducting materials could be the key for to allow defossilizing the chemistry, but still remain challenging. Here we will review some key aspects for the design and the development of functional components, what we have learned from the behavior of electrocatalysts under various stress conditions (poisoning, large overpotentials…), the challenges of metal supported cell architecture, for finally opening the way to the implementation of proton conducting materials.