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Hydrogen generation through high temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) has recently received increasingly international interest in the large-scale, highly efficient nuclear hydrogen production field. To achieve cost competitive electrolysis cells that are both high performing i.e. minimum internal resistance of the cell, and long-term stable, it is critical to develop electrode materials that are optimal for steam electrolysis. In this paper, the cathode materials of SOEC are reviewed. Ni-YSZ and Ni-SDC/GDC cermets are promising cathode materials for SOEC working at high temperature. The solid oxide matierials are promising cathode materials for SOEC working in atmospheres with low content of H2,e.g. in smaller scale generators used intermittently without H2 purging. More works, both experimental and theoretical, are needed to further develop SOEC cathode materials.