Recently, a research group led by Professor Sun Kening from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) published a review article on air electrodes for reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (R-PCECs). The study, titled Air electrodes for reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells: fundamental principles, optimization strategies, advanced characterization, and future perspectives, was published in the international journal Coordination Chemistry Reviews.

Reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells hold a significant position in the global energy sector, with one of the key performance-limiting factors being the air electrode. Optimizing the air electrode's ability to absorb and activate reactants requires rational design. This review article systematically and comprehensively summarizes the reaction mechanisms and modification strategies of air electrodes. It delves into the complex interactions between reactants and electrodes. This not only aids in enhancing the depth of research in the field of electrocatalysis but also provides new insights for future research directions of R-PCECs.

The article begins by introducing the perovskite materials commonly used in R-PCECs and explains the fundamental reaction processes involved in the air electrodes. It then highlights the main challenges currently faced in this field.

To address these challenges, the article systematically summarizes recent advances in air electrode design from three perspectives: material composition optimization, composite material design, and interface engineering. It analyzes the advantages and limitations of different methods and discusses their roles in enhancing the catalytic activity and operational stability of the electrodes.

Subsequently, the article reviews several advanced characterization techniques used in the study of air electrodes. These techniques not only evaluate the performance of the cells but also provide deep insights into the electrode reaction mechanisms, offering theoretical guidance and support for the optimized design of air electrodes.

In conclusion, the article summarizes the current state of research on air electrodes and provides an outlook on future developments. It emphasizes that advancing the field requires designing microstructures, developing new multifunctional materials, and utilizing advanced characterization techniques to uncover deeper reaction mechanisms.

This review systematically synthesizes and evaluates aspects ranging from reaction mechanisms and modification strategies to characterization techniques, offering a clear reference framework for future research in this area.