Theoretical insights into the LSCM-based fuel electrodes for efficient CO₂ electrolysis in SOEC

CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes present a severe threat to environmental sustainability and climate balance. Electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to value-added products has emerged as a viable pathway toward carbon utilization, which simultaneously reduces emissions and enables carbon recycling. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are considered a promising technology due to their favorable thermodynamics, high energy efficiency, and fast reaction kinetics for the conversion of CO₂ into useful fuels and chemicals. However, the practical implementation of SOECs is hindered by the limitations of conventional Ni-based electrodes, which are susceptible to Ni agglomeration, carbon coking, and sulfur poisoning, and exhibit poor redox stability. Alternative oxide-based electrodes have emerged, with La_0.75Sr_0.25Cr_0.5Mn_0.5O_3-δ (LSCM) standing out as a reliable candidate due to its exceptional redox stability and tolerance to carbon coking and sulfur in CO₂-rich environments. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of LSCM as a potential electrode for CO₂ reduction in high-temperature SOECs, systematically examining its structure and the influence of synthesis routes on its phase purity, microstructure, and electrochemical behavior. Recent performance enhancement strategies are critically evaluated, revealing that in-situ exsolution of nanoparticles is the most effective approach for addressing LSCM’s inherent low catalytic activity and sluggish reaction kinetics. Based on this analysis, future research directions and priorities are proposed to guide the development of optimized and durable LSCM-based electrodes for efficient CO₂ electrolysis in SOECs.