AUTHOR=Meisel Charlie , Kim You-Dong , Diercks David , O’Hayre Ryan , Sullivan Neal P. TITLE=Advancing proton-conducting ceramic electrochemical devices: perspectives on benchmarking and barriers to progress JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2025.1565315 DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2025.1565315 ISSN=2296-598X ABSTRACT=Proton-conducting ceramic electrochemical devices (PCCs) show promise for sustainable energy conversion, yet key challenges remain. This perspective highlights critical areas for advancing PCC research. The field requires standardized protocols for fabrication, testing, and results reporting. Improved electrolyte sintering techniques and minimized nickel-induced defects are imperative for stable, high-performing cells. Addressing materials criticality is essential for commercialization. A deeper understanding of electrolyte grain boundary properties, positrode-electrolyte interface characteristics, and distribution of relaxation times analysis has great potential to accelerate progress. The promising application of PCCs in electrolysis mode remains understudied and merits increased research attention.