Advance in highly efficient hydrogen production by high temperature steam electrolysis

High Temperature Steam Electrolysis (HTSE) through a solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC) has been receiving increasing research and development attention worldwide because of its high conversion efficiency (about 45%-59%) and its potential usage for large-scale production of hydrogen. The mechanism, composition, structure, and developing challenges of SOEC are summarized. Current situation, key materials, and core technologies of SOEC (solid oxide electrolytic cell) in HTSE are re- viewed, and the prospect of HTSE future application in advanced energy fields is proposed. In addition, the recent research achievements and study progress of HTSE in Tsinghua University are also intro- duced and presented.