Solid oxide fuel cell: Decade of progress, future perspectives and challenges

In an increasing demand of renewable energy resources, fuel cell represents the highly efficient, clean and sustainable energy conversion source. Broadly speaking, fuel cell can be divided into six different categories according to the types of electrolyte and fuels used. Each type of fuel cells has their own advantages and disadvantages. Among them, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) gains significant attentions due to their high efficiency, cost-effectiveness and the possibility to utilize variety of fuels other than hydrogen such as hydrocarbons, coal gas etc. As name implies, SOFC uses solid electrolyte for their operation. Indeed, in medium and large power requirement sectors, SOFC are highly suitable. In the present review article, recent advances and future perspectives of SOFC have been discussed via reviewing the literature over last five years. Most of the available review articles discussed the literature in terms of specific SOFC component such as anode, cathode, electrolytes and so on. In contrast, herein the literatures have been reviewed in the context of two types of SOFC stack designs i.e. planar and tubular that have been immensely used to fabricate efficient SOFC devices. Furthermore, fundamental of SOFC operation and its typical I–V characteristics and SOFC designs are also discussed in detail. Furthermore, preparation techniques for planar and tubular SOFC are briefly described. Finally, some of the recent trends in SOFC technology along with challenges and future perspectives are presented in this review article.