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Energy Conversion and Storage via Advanced Solid Oxide Cells and Electrolyzers

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "D: Energy Storage and Application".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2026 | Viewed by 659

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Renewable Energy Technologies Group, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Espoo, Finland
Interests: solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers; reversible ceramic fuel cells (R-CFCs); hydrogen production and storage; advanced battery technologies; solar cells:dye-sensitized and perovskite; power-to-x and electrofuels; nanomaterials for energy applications

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global transition toward sustainable and low-carbon energy systems requires efficient technologies for energy conversion, storage, and sector integration. In this context, solid oxide cells (SOCs) have attracted significant attention due to their high efficiency, fuel flexibility, and potential to support the emerging hydrogen economy. SOC technologies include solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for electricity generation and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for hydrogen production and energy storage. In addition, reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs) offer the possibility of operating in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes, enabling the development of integrated solutions for energy conversion and storage in renewable energy systems.

SOCs play an important role in hydrogen and Power-to-X (P2X) technologies, where renewable electricity can be converted into hydrogen or other energy carriers. Through efficient electrochemical energy conversion, SOC systems can contribute to sustainable hydrogen production, energy storage, and the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. Their high operating temperatures allow the use of a wide range of fuels and enable efficient catalytic and electrochemical reactions, making them promising technologies for future energy systems.

Recent years have witnessed significant progress in advanced ceramic materials, particularly in the development of mixed ionic–electronic conductors, improved electrode and electrolyte materials, and innovative cell architectures and designs. Advances in interfaces and surface engineering have also contributed to improved electrochemical performance and stability. Furthermore, emerging fabrication methods, including additive manufacturing and advanced processing techniques, are opening new opportunities for the scalable and cost-effective production of high-performance SOC components.

Despite these advances, several challenges remain before SOC technologies can achieve widespread commercial deployment. Long-term durability, performance degradation, and material stability under realistic operating conditions continue to be important research topics. Efforts to understand degradation mechanisms, improve device lifetime, and optimize materials and microstructures are essential for reliable and economically viable SOC systems.

In addition, the modelling and simulation of SOC systems are increasingly important tools for understanding electrochemical processes, transport phenomena, and system-level performance. These approaches support the design and optimization of materials, cell architectures, and operating strategies.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers and engineers to present recent advances in energy conversion and storage using advanced solid oxide cells and electrolysers. We welcome contributions addressing materials development, cell design, fabrication and processing technologies, advanced characterization, modelling and simulation, and system integration. We are particularly eager to publish studies related to hydrogen production and storage, renewable energy integration, and P2X technologies.

By bringing together contributions from academia, research institutes, and industry, this Special Issue seeks to highlight emerging developments and promote further innovation in SOC technologies for sustainable energy systems.

Dr. Imran Asghar
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC)
  • solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC)
  • reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC)
  • hydrogen and P2X technologies
  • hydrogen production and storage
  • electrochemical energy conversion, electro-fuels
  • advanced ceramic materials
  • mixed ionic–electronic conductors
  • electrode and electrolyte materials
  • cell architectures and design
  • degradation mechanisms and durability
  • modelling and simulation of SOC systems
  • additive manufacturing and advanced processing
  • interfaces and surface engineering
  • renewable energy integration

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 5422 KB  
Article
Is Super-Duplex Stainless Steel Suitable as Metal Support for Solid Oxide Cells?
by Buse Bilbey, Axel Savikko, M. Unsal Unver, Murat Murutoglu, Aligul Buyukaksoy, Huseyin Yilmaz, L. Colakerol Arslan and Muhammad Imran Asghar
Energies 2026, 19(8), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19081856 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 432
Abstract
In this study, commercial Ospray-2507 super-duplex stainless steel powder was investigated for the first time as a potential metal support material for solid oxide cells. Initially, metal supports were fabricated and processed in air using various sintering profiles, followed by comprehensive mechanical, structural [...] Read more.
In this study, commercial Ospray-2507 super-duplex stainless steel powder was investigated for the first time as a potential metal support material for solid oxide cells. Initially, metal supports were fabricated and processed in air using various sintering profiles, followed by comprehensive mechanical, structural and electrochemical characterization. The optimal sintering condition was identified as 900 °C for 5 h. Subsequently, sintering under a H2 atmosphere was explored, and its effects on the microstructural and functional properties of the metal supports were systematically to assessed to evaluate the influence of the sintering atmosphere on material performance. Although X-ray diffraction patterns showed no phase changes between the two sintering atmospheres, notable improvements were observed in mechanical, electrochemical, and microstructural properties under H2 sintering. XPS spectra reveal that both air- and hydrogen-treated surfaces remain rich in chromium (Cr) and Manganese (Mn), which together dominate the surface and consequently attenuate the signal from the underlying iron. The thickness of the Cr- and Mn-based oxide layer decreases when sintering MS in H2 atmosphere. Specifically, mechanical strength, as measured by three-point bending tests, increased by a factor of 12.5, and hardness rose from 500.3 to 523.5 HV. Furthermore, electrical conductivity also improved significantly, exhibiting an approximately 2.3–2.4 fold increase under H2-sintered conditions. Full article
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