Solid electrolytes: emerging global competitors for satisfying energy needs

Solid electrolytes include solid oxide/fluoride/chlorides/iodides, proton exchange polymeric membranes, solid acid, and perovskites/fluorites, etc.^1,2 Solid electrolytes have attracted wide attention for fuel cell and electrolyzer cell applications owing to their easy handling and spill-proof operation. On one hand, where fuel cell converts chemical energy source to energy, the electrolyzer can produce hydrogen (as a clean source of fuel) through hydrolysis of water. Since diffusion of oxide ion (or proton) through a solid electrolyte is the requirement, it becomes imperative to use high temperatures for achieving enhanced ionic conductivity. But, the high operating temperatures (∼800–1000°C) can lead to complex...