Theoretical modeling of NO electrochemical reduction on multifunctional layer electrode by alternating/direct current electrolysis

A one-dimensional symmetric model on NO electrochemical reduction in solid oxide electrolysis cell(SOEC) considering gas transport, electronic conduction, ionic conduction, and electrochemical process based on multifunctional layer electrode is developed. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results both in the direct current(DC) and alternative current(AC) electrolysis. The distributions of the NO concentration in the electrode are predicted in both DC and AC electrolysis. The effects of temperature, voltage, and O2 concentration were investigated on NO alternative current electrolysis and direct current electrolysis processes. The modeling results show that the optimal frequency of 0.3 Hz is corresponded to the maximum NO decomposition rate in different temperatures and voltages. The NO decomposition increases with increasing temperature and decreasing O2 concentration in most cases. At 450 °C, the NO decomposition presents first increased and then decreased trend with different voltages at the frequency of 0.3 Hz. This is similar to the effects of O2 concentration at 450 °C and 475 °C at the same frequency.