A review on materials, advantages, and challenges in thin film based solid oxide fuel cells

In accomplishment of massive energy demand, the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have proven as apotheosis candidates due to their high energy conversion efficiencies, low pollution exhaust, fuel flexibility, and environmental friendliness which make these the most promising alternatives to conventional electricity generators. Despite numerous advantages of SOFCs, large-scale industrial applications are yet to be realized owing to their high operating temperatures (800 degrees C-1000 degrees C). To lower the operating temperature, it is crucial to minimize ionic resistances which can be accomplished by reducing the electrolyte thickness to lesser than 5 mu m. Therefore, present article embraces a concise review on conventional materials, designs, and generations of SOFCs with their compatibility and drawbacks. The strengths and limitations of conventional and advanced tools for fabricating thin film based SOFCs (TF-SOFCs) as well as the associated properties of electrolytes and electrodes are thoroughly examined, and further route cast is provided to attain better performance. The present review encourages the development of TF-SOFCs using advanced techniques employing ultrathin single and bilayer electrolytes which can have potential to reduce the operating temperature of SOFCs from 450 degrees C to 600 degrees C region and pave the way for global commercialization.