Detailed transport-reaction models for SOFC Ni-YSZ patterned anodes: A critical inquiry

Understanding the detailed physicochemical mechanisms for the electro-oxidation of fuel at the triple phase boundaries (TPBs) in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes is a key step towards improving SOFC performance. Significant efforts have been directed toward this goal via both experimental and computational modeling studies. In particular, patterned Ni anode on a planar YSZ substrate has been examined because of its well-defined twodimensional geometry that in principle offers the advantages of known TPB length and minimization of mass transport effects. A common formulation for such patterned anodes considers modeling of surface reactions and diffusion on both electrode and electrolyte surfaces, along with charge-transfer reactions at the TPBs based on elementary kinetics. In this study, we review the theoretical approaches proposed by several authors and offer a critique of their methods.