Achievements in nanomaterials for solid oxide fuel cells for clean and sustainable energy

Abstract

The energy need in the world is increasing each year, but the fossil fuel reserves that meet this need are decreasing much faster. Between 2030 and 2050, it is predicted that fossil fuel reserves will be depleted to a large extent or will not be able to meet the need. In addition, the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases due to the continuous emission of gases namely CO2, CO, CH4, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide with the burning of fossil fuels. Due to all these economic and environmental factors, countries have turned to renewable energy sources in recent years. Hydrogen energy, which is one of the renewable energy sources, is preferred because it is more efficient than fossil fuels and is not harmful to the environment. Fuel cells convert a variety of fuels directly into electricity, including hydrogen, hydrocarbons and methanol. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have attracted much attention of researchers due to their fuel flexibility, high efficiency and good reaction kinetics. SOFCs, consisting of anode, cathode and electrolyte layers, show different performances depending on the type of each layer and the production conditions. The cathode electrode is the layer where oxygen is reduced. The cathode electrode must have high conductivity as well as high catalytic activity. The purpose of this study is to specify achievements in nanomaterials for cathode electrode.