| Abstract Scope |
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising technology for high-efficiency and low-emission energy conversion, yet their large-scale deployment is limited by cathode performance, durability, and material sustainability. Doping is an effective approach for tailoring the structural, thermal, and electrochemical properties of SOFC cathode materials. This work analyzes recent advances in doped cathodes.
The effects of A-site and B-site substitutions on lattice parameters, oxygen vacancy concentration, thermal expansion, and oxygen reduction reaction kinetics are discussed. Appropriate dopant selection is shown to enhance ionic and electronic conductivity, improve thermal compatibility with electrolytes, and stabilize crystal structures at high operating temperatures. Special attention is given to cobalt-free and low-cobalt cathodes as sustainable alternatives to conventional cobalt-rich materials. The interplay between dopant ionic radius, valence state, and oxygen non-stoichiometry is highlighted as a key factor governing cathode functionality. These insights provide guidelines for the rational design of durable high-performance SOFC cathode materials. |