Efficient electro-catalysts for enhancing surface activity and stability of SOFC cathodes

The search for a sustainable supply of clean and economical energy has stimulated great interest in fuel cells for direct conversion of chemical fuels to electricity. Among all types of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the cleanest and most effi cient ones with excellent fuel fl exibility. They are capable of direct utilization of a wide variety of fuels, from hydrogen to hydrocarbons, coal gas, and bio-derived fuels. [ 1-4 ] One of the technical hurdles to commercialization of SOFC technologies, however, is the high operating temperature that requires the use of expensive materials. [ 5-7 ] The enhancement of cathode activity represents a vital step toward successful reduction in operating temperature since the resistance to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) contributes the most to energy loss in the existing SOFCs, more so at lower temperatures.