A Review on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology: An Efficient Energy Conversion System

Table 1

Details of fuel cell types.

Cell	Electrode and electrolyte	Electrical efficiency	CHP efficiency	Operating temp.	Application	Pros	Cons	Ref
PEM	Most electrolyte is a polymeric membrane, and the electrode material is porous carbon impregnated with a platinum catalyst	36-38%		High-temperature range PEM—above 100°C; Low-temperature range PEM—below 100°C	Power source for stationary, portable, and transportation application	Less weight and volume	Efficiency decreases above 80°C. Prone to poisoning and costly	[11, 12]
AFC	Aqueous potassium hydroxide soaked in a porous matrix or alkaline polymer membrane is used as an electrolyte	60%	80%	40-75°C	Space application and transportation	Comparatively cheaper to fabricate and less sensitive to impurities and high efficiency	Susceptible to carbon dioxide poisoning	[13, 14]
PAFC	An electrolyte is a paper matrix soaked in phosphoric acid. The electrode used is gold, titanium, and tantalum	37-42%	85%	150-200°C	Distributed generation	Tolerant to impurities, appropriate for CHP	Costly	[15, 16]
MCFC	A molten mixture of potassium and lithium carbonate. Thickest electrode electrolyte assembly	45-50%	80%	650°C	Large utility application	Less sensitive to contaminants, appropriate for CHP and combined cycle	Low power density and prone to corrosion	[17]