Finite element modeling of idealized infiltrated composite solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Jason D. Nicholas, Scott A. Barnett

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Using a two-dimensional finite element approach, the polarization resistance of idealized, branched, nano-particulate, composite cathodes was determined. Porous CGO, LSGM, or YSZ networks infiltrated with additional ionic conductor and subsequently infiltrated with LSCF or BSCF were modeled. For fixed mixed conductor particle size, dual nano-particle infiltrations (ionic + mixed conductor) resulted in an order of magnitude polarization resistance decrease, compared to single component mixed conductor infiltrations. For most SOFC relevant temperatures (500-900C), geometries, and material combinations, cathode performance was limited by the charge transfer reaction occurring at the mixed conductor interface and therefore scaled with the cathode surface area, as long as the cathode thickness was <∼10microns. For cathodes thicker than ∼10microns, losses within the ionic conducting network determined performance, resulting in a breakdown of the linear performance dependence on cathode surface area. The boundary between these regimes varied with ionic conducting cathode arm width, column width, and ionic conductivity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationECS Transactions - Ionic and Mixed Conducting Ceramics 6 - 213th ECS Meeting
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages361-377
Number of pages17
Edition26
ISBN (Electronic)9781566776844
ISBN (Print)9781615672851
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventIonic and Mixed Conducting Ceramics 6 - 213th ECS Meeting - Phoenix, AZ, United States
Duration: May 18 2008May 23 2008

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number26
Volume13
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

OtherIonic and Mixed Conducting Ceramics 6 - 213th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix, AZ
Period5/18/085/23/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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