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At the heart of these systems lie advanced solid oxide materials – electrolytes, electrodes, and catalytic phases – many of which are based on rare earth elements. As a rare earth producer, Lynas Rare Earth Ltd. is uniquely positioned to play a strategic role in enabling and scaling these technologies. Lynas offers assured provenance from mine to finished rare earth materials through our integrated and secure supply chain.

Rare earth oxides such as cerium oxide (CeO₂), ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3), praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁), samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃), and lanthanum-based compounds are foundational to SOFC/SOEC materials design. Doped ceria systems (e.g., GDC, SDC) are widely used as electrolytes or buffer layers due to their high ionic conductivity at low temperatures (e.g. 500-600 °C). Similarly, perovskite-type oxides incorporating rare earth elements such as LSCF, PSC, and related compositions – serve as high-performance electrodes with tunable electronic and ionic transport properties. The ability to precisely control purity, particle size distribution, surface area, and defect chemistry is critical, and this is where upstream expertise in rare earth processing becomes a decisive advantage.

Beyond supplying raw oxides, there is a strong opportunity to move up the value chain into engineered functional materials. This includes tailored electrolyte powders with controlled dopant homogeneity, electrode materials optimized for exsolution behavior, and composite systems designed for enhanced durability under redox cycling and high steam conditions. Advanced processing routes such as co-precipitation, hydrothermal synthesis, and high energy milling can be leveraged to produce powders with application-specific properties (e.g., BET surface area, sinterability, and phase stability). By aligning material specifications with cell manufacturers’ requirements, Lynas can position ourselves not just as a supplier, but as a technology partner.

Equally important is the development of a resilient and transparent supply chain for critical materials. As global demand for hydrogen and clean energy systems grows, the availability and consistency of rare earth-derived oxides will become increasingly critical. Establishing integrated capabilities from mining and separation to advanced material synthesis ensures supply security while reducing cost volatility. Strategic collaborations with fuel cell developers, research institutions, and system integrators can further accelerate innovation and commercialization.

In conclusion, the intersection of rare earth chemistry and solid oxide technology presents a significant opportunity. By leveraging our strengths in materials processing, scaling capabilities, and supply chain integration, Lynas can play a pivotal role in advancing high-temperature fuel cell technologies. This not only supports global energy transition goals but also positions us at the forefront of next-generation materials innovation.

"From my experience, the role of our industry is rapidly evolving beyond supplying high-purity oxides. Today, success depends on integrating material design, performance validation, and real-world application. Through close collaboration with fuel cell developers for testing and evaluation, we gain critical insights that accelerate commercialization. Ultimately, success in this space will depend on how well we can connect upstream material capabilities with downstream system needs."

Dr. Mahendra Rao Somalu

Lynas Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia

Email: MahendraRao.Somalu@Lynasre.com

Website: https://lynasrareearths.com/

Selected Publications:

• Strategies for enhancing the stability and performance of nickel-based catalysts in solid oxide fuel cells: A review. Journal of Alloys and Compounds 1033, 181263 (2025).
• Optimizing Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite anodes, La0.6Sr1.4Mn0.9x-0.1O4 (x = Ni and Fe) for solid oxide fuel cell application: A comparative study on structural, morphological, and electrochemical performance. Ceramics International 51 (6), 7742-7755 (2025).
• Advanced materials for heterogeneous catalysis: A comprehensive review of spinel materials for direct internal reforming of methane in solid oxide fuel cell. Chemical Engineering Journal 471, 144751 (2023).
• A review on cathode materials for conventional and proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells. Journal of Alloys and Compounds 894, 162458 (2022).
• Review of composite cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell applications. Ceramics International 46 (15), 23314-23325 (2020).
• Review on zirconate-cerate-based electrolytes for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell. Ceramics International 45 (6), 6605-6615 (2019).
• Challenges in fabricating planar solid oxide fuel cells: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 72, 105-116 (2017).