Proton conductors for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)

With the aim of lowering solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating temperatures, there has been growing interest recently in high-temperature proton conductors (HTPCs). This chapter discusses the basic theory of the proton conduction mechanism in oxides and the reactions occurring at the electrodes when an HTPC electrolyte is used. A critical and comprehensive review of the state-of- the-art HTPC electrolytes is then presented, together with a review of the state of the art in electrodes for application with HTPC electrolytes. SOFC applications for HTPC electrolytes are also reviewed and discussed.