Experimental characterization and mechanistic modeling of carbon monoxide fueled solid oxide fuel cell

The paper presents an elementary reaction based solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) model coupled with anodic elementary heterogeneous reactions and electrochemical charge transfer reactions for CO/CO2 fuel based on an anode supported button cell. The model is calibrated and validated using experimental data obtained for various CO/CO2 fuel compositions at 750, 800 and 850 °C. The comparison shows that the modeling results agree well with the experimental data. The effects of operating conditions on the cell performance and the detailed species concentration distribution are predicted. Then, the carbon deposition on the SOFC anode with CO/CO2 fuel is experimentally measured and simulated using the elementary reaction model. The results indicate that lower temperature and lower operation voltage are helpful to reduce the possibilities of carbon deposition on Ni particle surfaces.

► An elementary reaction model for SOFC coupled chemical and electrochemical reactions.
► The model is calibrated and validated using comprehensive experimental data in CO/CO2 fuel.
► Detailed species concentration distribution.
► Carbon deposition is measured and simulated using the elementary reaction model.