Revolutionizing energy systems with perovskite proton-conducting materials: advances and applications in solid oxide fuel cells

Proton-conducting (PC) materials are playing an increasingly important role in advancing energy conversion and storage technologies, contributing to the development of more affordable and sustainable power systems. Recent advancements in PC materials have unlocked potentials for applications such as ammonia synthesis, syngas membranes, gas purification, proton-ceramic electrolysis cells, and proton-ceramic fuel cells. This review explores the critical roles of anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes in these systems, highlighting significant innovations and their impact on overall performance. Key breakthroughs in anode materials focus on enhancing catalytic activity and durability, while cathode developments aim at optimizing oxygen reduction reactions. Noteworthy advancements in electrolyte materials have dramatically improved proton conductivity and stability, essential for efficient proton transport. This comprehensive overview examines the latest progress in PC-based electrochemical cells, detailing their fundamental operations and the key factors that influence their effectiveness. In addition, we discuss the electrochemical properties and recent advances in PC materials, offering guidelines for the rational and scientifically based design of PC materials. This review serves as a valuable resource for both academia and industry, fostering the successful application of protonic energy storage and conversion technologies.