Solar-Powered Water Electrolysis Using Hybrid Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) for Green Hydrogen—A Review

The depletion of fossil fuels in the current world has been a major concern due to their role as a primary source of energy for many countries. As non-renewable sources continue to deplete, there is a need for more research and initiatives to reduce reliance on these sources and explore better alternatives, such as renewable energy. Hydrogen is one of the most intriguing energy sources for producing power from fuel cells and heat engines without releasing carbon dioxide or other pollutants. The production of hydrogen via the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, is one of the possible uses for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). SOECs can be classified as either oxygen-ion conducting or proton-conducting, depending on the electrolyte materials used. This article aims to highlight broad and important aspects of the hybrid SOEC-based solar hydrogen-generating technology, which utilizes a mixed-ion conductor capable of transporting both oxygen ions and protons simultaneously. In addition to providing useful information on the technological efficiency of hydrogen production in SOEC, this review aims to make hydrogen production more efficient than any other water electrolysis system.