Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Ni-YSZ Anode Polarization Using Reconstructed Microstructure from FIB-SEM Images

Abstract

The overpotential in a three-dimensional Ni-YSZ anode model structure obtained by a dual-beam focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope is predicted by lattice Boltzmann method. Gaseous, ionic and electronic transport equations with electrochemical reaction at the three-phase boundary are solved with an assumption of local equilibrium in the solid oxide. The gas transport is modeled by a so-called dusty gas model. The numerical simulation is performed under the current density conditions of 0.01, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.7 A/cm2. Three-dimensional electrochemical potential distributions inside a test anode microstructure are presented. The proposed method can be used for predicting SOFC electrode polarization.