Innovations in Electric Current-Assisted Sintering for SOFC: A Review of Advances in Flash Sintering and Ultrafast High-Temperature Sintering

This review discusses the groundbreaking advancements in electric current-assisted sintering techniques, specifically Flash Sintering (FS) and Ultrafast High-Temperature Sintering (UHS), for their application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). These innovative sintering methods have demonstrated remarkable potential in enhancing the efficiency and quality of SOFC manufacturing by significantly lowering sintering temperatures and durations, thereby mitigating energy consumption and cost. By providing a detailed overview of the mechanisms, process parameters, and material characteristics associated with FS and UHS, this paper sheds light on their pivotal role in the fabrication of SOFC components such as electrolytes, electrodes, multilayered materials, and interconnect coatings. The advantages, challenges, and prospective opportunities of these sintering technologies in propelling SOFC advancements are thoroughly assessed, underlining their transformative impact on the future of clean and efficient energy production technologies.