Ammonia as energy source for solid oxide fuel cell technology

This review shows the complex transformation of ammonia as an energy carrier and focuses on its use in the fuel cell technology. Promising characteristics of ammonia are noted, which allow it to be used as a carbon-free fuel. The main methods of ammonia production, the current state of the transport and distribution systems of ammonia, as well as its storage are shown. Using bibliometric analysis, the current state of the issue of ammonia fuel cells is studied. The processes of direct and indirect use of ammonia as a fuel in solid oxide fuel cells are considered in detail. It is noted that the final level of technical and economic improvements in ammonia fuel cells of various designs has not yet been achieved. The features of the use of ammonia in PEM, alkaline, and solid oxide fuel cells are analyzed. The influence of the material and catalyst on the characteristics of the electrochemical process is shown, and the factors affecting the degradation of the fuel cell are considered. The need for further search for effective catalysts is noted. The options for applications in fuel cell technology show the promise of using ammonia as a fuel in a fuel cell in various modes of transport. The presented review shows the way to integrate ammonia, through its use in fuel cells and particularly in solid oxide fuel cells, into the structure of carbon-free energy of the future, outlining the frameworks of its further application. The results obtained are expected to be useful to a wide range of specialists, including all participants in the energy market at the national and international level. • Ammonia may become a key player on the path to carbon-free energy. • The use of ammonia in Solid Oxide and Alkaline fuel cells is feasible. • Further development for efficient catalysts for ammonia SOFC is needed. • Techno-economic aspects of ammonia fuel cells are still at investigation. • There is a tendency to replace traditional fuel in maritime transport with ammonia.