Progress report on the catalyst layers for hydrocarbon-fueled SOFCs

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an energy conversion device that can directly convert the chemical energy of carbonaceous fuels into electricity. Solving the problem of carbon deposition in the conventional nickel-based anode is essential to improving the performance of SOFC when operating on carbonaceous fuels. Although impressive progress has been made in the development of alternative anode materials, nickel-based anodes with superior catalytic activity for carbonaceous fuels are still the most promising anode for the commercialization of SOFCs. The deposition of a catalyst layer with high catalytic activity for carbonaceous fuels over the nickel-based anode has been demonstrated as an effective way to enhance the performance and long-term stability of hydrocarbon-based SOFC. This review introduces the working principles of the catalyst layers, discusses the recent progress of the catalyst layer materials for hydrocarbon-fueled SOFC and issues of the different catalyst layer materials. Finally, some of the future prospects and challenges of the catalyst layers are summarized in this review article.