Tortuosity factor of three-dimensional infiltrate network

The tortuosity factor is calculated by solving Laplace's equation of electrostatic potential within the numerically constructed three-dimensional infiltrate network of nanostructured solid oxide cell electrodes. Based on Bruggeman approach, an analytical model is proposed to calculate the tortuosity factor and effective conductivity as a function of infiltration loading. The intrinsic conductivity of infiltrate network can be resolved from its effective conductivity using the analytical model. Good agreement is found between the numerical and analytical models and the experimental data in literature. Parametric study for the effects of backbone microstructure, nanoparticle size and aggregation of infiltrate suggests practical strategies to decrease the tortuosity factor of infiltrate network.