The fate of tars under solid oxide fuel cell conditions: A review

• Latest studies on the interaction between tar and SOFC are reviewed.
• The fate of tars under SOFC conditions are studied.
• Tar classification and model tar compound for SOFCs are discussed.
• Tar removal methods are reviewed and discussed.

Biomass is a renewable and low-carbon energy source. Its use via gasification is an attractive way for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, tars are the major bottleneck as tars produced from biomass gasification may have detrimental effects on the SOFC. This work comprehensively reviews the fate of tars under SOFC conditions. Specifically, it summarizes tar evolution during biomass gasification, discusses currently available studies on the interaction between tars and SOFC anodes or anode materials. In addition, readily available gas cleaning technologies for reducing tar content are discussed. Future research perspectives are also addressed.