Three decades of solid oxide fuel cell research: trends, challenges & future directions

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry

Abstract

Abstract Global warming and oil price volatility indicate an urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), noted for their high efficiency, fuel flexibility, and low environmental footprint, have been a focus of considerable research. This study examines approximately 30,100 Web of Science-indexed publications from 1990 to 2024 to reveal global trajectory, geographical disparities, institutional and author contributions, and emerging research priorities. Results show major geographical and institutional shifts. While early research was led by Europe, the United States, and Japan, China now leads in publication output (7,602 publications), whereas the United States maintains the highest citation impact (226,909). At the global collaboration scale, activity is concentrated across Asia, Europe, and North America, while Africa is under-represented. In terms of institutional performance, Forschungszentrum Jülich, DTU, USTC, and Imperial College London lead in productivity, with Imperial College and Caltech recording the highest citation impact. At the author level, Shao Zongping (Curtin University), Xia Changrong (University of Science and Technology of China) and Irvine, John T.S. (University of St Andrews) are the top three most influential based on total publications. Based on average citations per publication, Minh N. Q. (Honeywell International) ranked top, followed by Singhal S. C. (Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering), Steele B. C. H. (Imperial College London), Mogensen M. B. (Technical University of Denmark), and Gorte R. J. (University of Pennsylvania). Keyword analysis reveals growing emphasis on system optimisation, computational modelling, and materials innovation. One of the notable advances is the use of proton-conductive perovskite cathodes, such as BaCo 0.4 Fe 0.4 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1 O 3−δ (BCFZY), which possess superior oxygen-reduction kinetics, conductivity and stability under humidified conditions. Another important development is the application of proton-conducting electrolytes such as BaZr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.1 Yb 0.1 O 3−δ (BZCYY) and oxide-ion conducting electrolytes such as La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Ga 0.8 Mg 0.2 O 3−δ (LSGM) for intermediate-temperature operation. Similarly, Ni-free anodes such as Sr 2 MgMoO 6−δ are gaining attention due to their high redox reversibility and fuel tolerance. Despite these advances, high costs, materials degradation, and limited global participation remain persistent barriers. Broader collaboration and cost-effective material design are vital to accelerate SOFC commercialisation and support future decarbonisation strategies.

Authors 7

1. Osaze Omoregbe corresponding

   Bangor University · University of Benin

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Nigeria

   Nuclear Futures Institute, School of Computer Science & Engineering, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 1UT, UK

2. Abarasi Hart

   University of Birmingham

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

3. Ifeanyichukwu Daniel Unachukwu Aachen Institute of Physical Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany

4. Ebuwa I. Osagie

   University of Benin

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Nigeria

5. Samuel Emebu

   Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Separation Science LUT School of Engineering Sciences, Lappeenranta, Finland

6. Elimian Ehiaghe

   University of Alberta

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada

7. Mark D. Ogden

   Bangor University

   Affiliation as printed

   Nuclear Futures Institute, School of Computer Science & Engineering, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 1UT, UK