A novel approach for the quantification of inhomogeneous 3D current distribution in fuel cell electrodes
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Bertei, A
Yufit, Vladimir
Tariq, Farid
Brandon, Nigel
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The electrode microstructural properties significantly influence the efficiency and durability of many electrochemical devices including solid oxide fuel cells. Despite the possibility of simulating the electrochemical phenomena within real three-dimensional microstructures, the potential of such 3D microstructural information has not yet been fully exploited. We introduce here a completely new methodology for the advanced characterization of inhomogeneous current distribution based on a statistical analysis of the current of each particle within the microstructure. We quantify the large variation in local current distribution
and link it to the particle size dispersion, indicating how particle coarsening can trigger further degradation. We identify two classes of particles: those transferring more current than average, which show 10-40% more particle-particle contacts, and those producing more current than average, characterized by ~2.5 times larger three-phase boundary length per unit volume. These two classes of particles are mutually exclusive, which implies that up to the 30% of the electrode volume within the functional layer is underutilized. This fundamental insight goes well beyond the predictions of continuum modeling, allowing us to revisit the current standards regarding safe operating conditions and to suggest alternative strategies based on nanoparticle infiltration, template-assisted synthesis and additive manufacturing for designing more durable electrodes.
and link it to the particle size dispersion, indicating how particle coarsening can trigger further degradation. We identify two classes of particles: those transferring more current than average, which show 10-40% more particle-particle contacts, and those producing more current than average, characterized by ~2.5 times larger three-phase boundary length per unit volume. These two classes of particles are mutually exclusive, which implies that up to the 30% of the electrode volume within the functional layer is underutilized. This fundamental insight goes well beyond the predictions of continuum modeling, allowing us to revisit the current standards regarding safe operating conditions and to suggest alternative strategies based on nanoparticle infiltration, template-assisted synthesis and additive manufacturing for designing more durable electrodes.
Date Issued
2018-08-31
Date Acceptance
2018-06-06
Citation
Journal of Power Sources, 2018, 369, pp.246-256
ISSN
0378-7753
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
246
End Page
256
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Power Sources
Volume
369
Copyright Statement
© 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/BY/4.0/).
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/BY/4.0/).
License URL
Sponsor
Commission of the European Communities
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Commission of the European Communities
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
Grant Number
NMP3-LA-2013-609201
EP/M014045/1
654915
DJR00640
Subjects
09 Engineering
03 Chemical Sciences
Energy
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-06-14