Polarization Characteristics and Chemistry in Reversible Tubular Solid-Oxide Cells Operating on Mixtures of H2, CO, H2O , and CO2

Abstract

This paper reports the results of combined experimental and modeling studies of reversible solid-oxide cells. The tubular cells are fabricated using a Ni–YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) fuel-electrode support, a dense YSZ electrolyte membrane, and a strontium-doped lanthanum manganate–YSZ composite air electrode. Experiments are designed to systematically vary gas-phase species partial pressures and operating temperatures. The fuels are mixtures of , CO, , , and Ar. Performance is measured under anodic (fuel cell) and cathodic (electrolysis) polarization. The models consider reactive porous-media transport within the composite electrodes, thermal chemistry on Ni and YSZ surfaces, and charge-transfer chemistry. All chemistry is modeled with elementary reversible reactions. Close coupling between experimental measurements and model-based interpretation provides a basis for establishing reaction pathways and rates. In addition to advancing fundamental understanding, the resulting detailed reaction mechanisms are valuable for incorporation into predictive models that can be used for design and optimization of fuel-cell and electrolysis systems.