Predicting optimal geometries of 3D-printed solid oxide electrochemical reactors

Solid oxide electrochemical reactors (SOERs) may be operated in fuel cell (SOFC) or electrolyser (SOE) modes, at temperatures > 800 K, depending on electrolyte and electrode materials. In mode, current densities of ≥ ca. 104 A m−2 are achievable potential differences ideally the thermoneutral values 1.285 V for steam splitting 1.46 CO2 750 °C. As large scale chemical processes general, such required to energy efficient, economic, scalable design fabrication, durable over 10 years. Increasing | interfacial areas (and pore triple phase boundaries) solid cells electrolysers offers one means increasing performance, reproducibility, durability potentially decreasing cost. Three-dimensional structuring those interfaces can achieved by 3D printing, but modelling is optimise geometries. Using kinetic parameter from literature, COMSOL Multiphysics® finite element software was used predict effects geometries, geometric area ratios, SOER performances YSZ ((ZrO2)0.92(Y2O3)0.08) ion conducting Ni-YSZ based cells, relative corresponding planar structures with < μm thick electrolyte. For negative electrode, layers were inkjet printed Ni(O)-YSZ substrate precursors, then sintered. positive porous lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM: La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-δ) brush-coated (gas-tight) YSZ, sintered produce complete SOERs: H2O-H2 YSZ-YSZ pillars YSZ-LSM LSM O2. Results reported showing that, case pillars, despite being up scaled factors 10–150 height (10–150 μm), predicted increase only 1.14 electrolysis mode peak power 1.93 mode. This due increased ionic path length along ohmic losses faradaic impedances; as expected, predictions depend strongly values. After sintering their subsequent reduction H2 nickel, they assumed constitute equipotential surfaces, collector design. Predicted 1011 mA cm−2, far greater than ultimately limited reactant product mass transport through height.