Phenomenological Theory of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode

Abstract

We develop a phenomenological theory of oxygen-ion-conducting porous cermet anode for solid oxide fuel cells utilizing hydrogen, based on a simple picture of macro- and microkinetics of charge and gas transport in the cermet. Its basic equations account for the transport of hydrogen molecules and oxygen anions to the reaction spots, the hydrogen oxidation reaction (whose various mechanisms, including different adsorption stages, are considered) and the water-product removal. Simple analytical results are obtained for a linear current-voltage regime, which demonstrate the interplay of these three processes. The nonlinear behavior is analyzed and classified. Various mechanisms of reaction kinetics are considered, subject to three possible mechanisms of water adsorption, in order to specify the law of conversion of ionic current into electronic one. Revealed is the nature of the intermediate quasi-Tafel regime, in which the anode is usually employed, and of two possible large current regimes: the saturation regime and the blocking regime (due to oxidation of the anode). The study rationalizes principles of anode functioning and builds a basis for a systematic analysis of the effects due to composite structure, that enter through the basic parameters of the theory.