Ca-, Mg-, Sc-, and Y-stabilized zirconia: High-performance support material for dry reforming of methane and solid-electrolyte material for fuel cell

Our planet is currently facing dual challenges of global warming and energy crisis. The heavy reliance of the energy sector on fossil fuels significantly contributes to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, such as CH4 and CO2, in the environment atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Stabilized zirconia-based material offer a promising solutions to address both challenges. As a catalytic support material, active sites incorporated stabilized-zirconia can facilitate the conversions of greenhouse gases like CH4 and CO2 into syngas (H2 and CO). This reaction is popularly known as dry reforming of methane (DRM). Additionally, stabilized zirconia-based materials act as solid-state electrolyte in fuel cells enabling the electrochemical conversion of H2 and O2 to generate electricity. Both processes require high-temperature stability and oxide ionic conductivity, making “Ca, Mg, Sc, Y-stabilized zirconia” an optimal choice. In DRM, the key factors influencing catalytic efficiency include metal–support interaction, reducibility, and basicity. Meanwhile, for solid oxide fuel cells, performance is governed by factors such as size-fit, charge imbalance, dopant miscibility, ion conducting phases, densification, electrolyte thickness, and grain boundary volume. This compressive review explores the dual functionality of “Ca, Mg, Sc, Y-stabilized zirconia” as a catalyst’support for DRM and as an solid electrolyte for fuel cells. The most promising research outcomes are highlighted, and future research directions are outlined. By bringing together the catalytic and fuel cell research communities, this study aims to advance sustainable energy technologies and contribute to mitigating environmental and energy crisis through the development of stabilized zirconia-based materials.