A solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) can be viewed as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that runs in a reverse mode. The high temperature steam electrolysis using the SOEC, with advantages of high efficiency and energy saving and as one method of hydrogen production, is a focal point of researches in the new energy technology domain. This paper reviews the principles of the SOEC and its applications both at home and abroad. Overall, compared with foreign countries, there is still a large gap in applications of the SOEC at present in our country. This review aims to attract research interests in China and to promote cooperation and application of the SOEC technology.

solid oxide electrolysis cell  /  hydrogen production  /  hydrogen economy  /  solid oxide fuel cell