Recent progress in design and fabrication of SOFC cathodes for efficient catalytic oxygen reduction

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly promising energy conversion devices. However, the performance and efficiency of current SOFC devices are still limited by inadequate oxygen reduction activity in the cathode, which has been recognized as a great challenge for SOFCs to achieve high power output at low operating temperatures. This has stimulated intensive efforts to develop more efficient cathodes for enhanced catalytic oxygen reduction. This article reviews recent advances in design and fabrication of cathodes for efficient SOFCs, with emphasis on (1) engineering cathode microstructures, (2) fabrication techniques to prepare cathode layers, and (3) strategies to address segregation and poisoning issues. • Recent progress in SOFC cathodes with efficient catalytic O 2 reduction is reviewed. • Design principles of efficient cathodes are summarized. • Engineering microstructures and fabrication techniques of cathodes are discussed. • Critical technical challenges, strategies and solutions in this topic are highlighted.