Solid oxide fuel cells - a challenge for materials chemists?

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are complex electrochemical devices that offer significant advantages over conventional power generation technologies. Many of these advantages surround the environmental impact of energy generation and in particular the efficiency of power production coupled with the potential range of fuel sources that can be foreseen. Despite these advantages there remain a number of challenges that may delay the full commercialisation of the solid oxide fuel cell. Several of these surround the materials selection, function and interactions with other cell components. It is the intention of this article to highlight the contribution that materials chemistry has made to the development of SOFCs and the future progress that is dependent on advances in materials chemistry.