Advanced electrode materials for efficient hydrogen production in protonic ceramic electrolysis cells

Abstract

Protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) exhibit superior proton conductivity under intermediate-temperature operation (300–600 °C), emerging as a promising water electrolysis technology compared to traditional low-temperature proton-conducting polymer electrolysis and high-temperature oxygen ion-conducting oxide electrolysis. However, the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and electrode instability in PCECs hinder their large-scale development. This review highlights recent advancements in PCEC technology, emphasizing its thermodynamic and kinetic advantages, the categorization of advanced electrode materials, and material regulation strategies, including chemical doping, microstructural engineering, and multiphase design to improve their catalytic performance and stability. Additionally, the current challenges are discussed and future research directions are outlined for advanced PCEC electrode materials. By summarizing recent advancements in electrode materials and their optimization strategies, this review provides valuable insights into the rational design of efficient and stable electrode materials, advancing PCEC technology for green hydrogen production.