Numerical simulation and experimental characterization of the performance evolution of a liquid antimony anode fuel cell

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with a liquid antimony anode is fabricated based on a smooth single crystal YSZ electrolyte substrate and a porous Pt cathode. The performance of the liquid antimony anode was tested under “battery mode”, with the anode chamber shielded in argon throughout the test and the cathode exposed to air. Polarization curves were taken and a long term constant potential discharging test was carried out afterwards. Taking electrochemical reaction, mass transport and microstructure of the liquid Sb anode into consideration, a one dimensional mathematical model was built and then validated by the polarization curve and the constant potential discharging performance curve obtained during the test. This model analyzes the metallic Sb distribution in the anode during cell operation, explains the cell performance evolution base on the microstructural development of the liquid Sb anode and simulates how the anode microstructure affects the cell performance.