The development of semiconductor-ionic conductor composite electrolytes for fuel cells with symmetrical electrodes

Lowering the operational temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is a vital research challenge for achieving broad commercialization of SOFCs. However, there is currently a lack of suitable electrolyte materials with sufficient ionic conductivity. In this review, the recent progress in semiconductor-ionic conductor composite strategies and related key technologies for low temperature SOFCs (LT-SOFCs) applications is highlighted, in particular, emphasizing the demonstration of such composite materials sandwiched between semiconductor electrodes in a symmetrical configuration that has delivered a potent solution. Despite the co-existence of electronic and ionic conduction in the composite membrane, no electronic short-circuiting was displayed, but rather an enhanced device power output was achieved. Here, the recent progresses in the development of SOFCs, from single-layer fuel cells, to two-phase semiconductor-ionic conductor membrane fuel cells with symmetrical electrodes, are discussed. This review will furnish researchers within the SOFC community and beyond with a broader understanding of the theory, development and significance of composite materials for LT-SOFCs. •Developments and techniques from SLFCs to SIMFCs are summarized.•The fuel cells in a symmetrical configuration are demonstrated.•Mechanism of SIMFCs in symmetrical configurations are analyzed.