Navigating the future of solid oxide fuel cell: Comprehensive insights into fuel electrode related degradation mechanisms and mitigation strategies.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have proven to be highly efficient and one of the cleanest electrochemical energy conversion devices. However, the commercialization of this technology is hampered by issues related to electrode performance degradation. This article provides a comprehensive review of the various degradation mechanisms that affect the performance and long-term stability of the SOFC anode caused by the interplay of physical, chemical, and electrochemical processes. In SOFCs, the most used anode material is nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) due to its advantages of high electronic conductivity and high catalytic activity for H 2 fuel. However, various factors affecting the long-term stability of the Ni–YSZ anode, such as redox cycling, carbon coking, sulfur poisoning, and the reduction of the triple phase boundary length due to Ni particle coarsening, are thoroughly investigated. In response, the article summarizes the state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and mitigation strategies aimed at improving the long-term stability of the Ni–YSZ anode. [Display omitted] • A review of the obstacle to SOFC commercial breakthrough, high degradation rates. • Ni–YSZ is a widely used anode material due to its high electronic conductivity and catalytic activity for H 2 fuel. • This article offers a comprehensive review of degradation mechanisms affecting the Ni–YSZ anode in SOFCs. • Enhancing SOFC performance and stability through doping, surface modifications, and interface engineering techniques. • The review presents advanced diagnostic tools and mitigation strategies for the improvement of Ni–YSZ anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]