Monte-Carlo simulation and performance optimization for the cathode microstructure in a solid oxide fuel cell

Simulation shows that the cathode porosity should be in the range of 0.25-0.45 for the optimized performance. A larger thickness is in favor of increasing the effective reaction sites and reducing total specific resistance. However, the thickness needs to be confined below a certain thickness in order to prevent lower utilization and excessive concentration loss. The fine particles contribute to increase the TPB length and thus decrease the activation overpotential. On the other hand, the extremely small particles might lead to an excessive diffusion resistance. The model was validated based on the continuum model and experimental data to determine its accuracy in predicting the cathode performance. The results generally agree with the experimental data from the literature. However, as compared with the continuum model, the predicted total resistance is slightly higher for a thin electrode.