Probing Surface/Bulk Structural Chemistry of Key Components of Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells with In Situ/Operando Raman Spectroscopy

The remarkable attributes of solid oxide electrochemical cell technology (e.g., energy efficiency, low cost, scalability, low emissions, and operational flexibility, etc.) drive the wider adoption of electrochemical conversion routes for sustainability. It is critical for the codevelopment of solid oxide cell materials and processes to establish the mechanistic understanding of the underlying chemical phenomena at the molecular level. Herein, we summarize the advancements in Raman spectroscopy that provide structural/molecular information on electrode/electrolyte materials typically used in solid oxide cells for energy conversion. In particular, we discuss the multifactorial environment induced chemical processes that govern the performance and longevity of solid oxide electrochemical devices. The in situ/operando Raman spectroscopic investigations on the electrode/electrolyte materials reported in the literature are summarized with the emphasis on identification of key material properties that control the functional aspects of the solid oxide cells. The molecular level understanding of the electrochemical processes will allow advancement of the rational design of electrochemical materials for process level deployment of solid oxide cell technology.