Advanced Materials, Interfaces and Electrochemical Characterization for Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and electrolyzers are key electrochemical devices for efficient energy conversion, energy storage, and fuel production. These technologies are considered essential in future low-carbon energy systems due to their high efficiency and ability to directly convert chemical energy into electricity and fuels. Despite significant progress in materials development and device engineering, their widespread implementation is still limited by challenges related to performance stability, durability, and degradation under realistic operating conditions. In particular, the complex interplay between electrode materials, interfaces, and transport processes remains a critical factor governing device performance and long-term reliability.The main goal of this Research Topic is to address current challenges in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and related electrochemical devices by focusing on the fundamental understanding and improvement of electrochemical performance and stability. Despite advances in the selection of materials, degradation mechanisms, microstructural evolution, chemical instability and incompatibilities between device components, continue to limit long-term performance. Recent progress in electrochemical characterization techniques, in operando measurements, and multiscale modeling, has provided new insights into reaction mechanisms and transport processes. However, a comprehensive understanding of interface processes and their relationship with electrode materials and device performance is still needed. This Research Topic aims to bring together recent experimental and theoretical advances to deepen the understanding of electrochemical processes and degradation phenomena, and to support the rational design of improved materials and devices with enhanced efficiency and durability.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, and perspectives focusing on solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and related electrochemical devices. The scope includes:- Electrode materials and interface processes, - Degradation mechanisms, - Advanced electrochemical, diffraction and microscopy characterization techniques.We particularly encourage contributions addressing:- Structure–property–performance relationships, - Reaction mechanisms at electrode interfaces, - Transport phenomena, and degradation pathways under operational conditions. - Experimental, theoretical and modeling approaches. The aim is to provide a multidisciplinary platform that integrates materials science, electrochemistry, and device engineering to advance the understanding and development of next-generation energy conversion technologies. Topic editors: Alejandra Montenegro-Hernandez, Massimo Viviani, Juan Felipe Basbus Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82988/advanced-materials-interfaces-and-electrochemical-characterization-for-fuel-cells-and-electrolyzers