Mathematical Modelling of Mass and Charge Transport and Reaction in the Central Membrane of the IDEAL-Cell

The IDEAL-Cell is an innovative SOFC concept, comprising the anode and the electrolyte of a protonic SOFC and the cathode and the electrolyte of an anionic SOFC, connected through a central membrane (CM), a composite layer of proton-conducting and anion-conducting materials. Protons formed at the anode migrate through the protonic electrolyte to the CM, where they react to produce water with oxygen anions migrated from the cathode through the anionic electrolyte. In this work, a two-dimensional mathematical model of charge transfer, mass transfer and electrochemical reaction in the CM is developed to support experimental tests aimed at demonstrating the IDEAL-Cell concept. The model enables the prediction of the steady-state response of the IDEAL-Cell under varying operating conditions. The model can be used to fit experimental polarization data for the estimation of kinetic parameters, and to support the design of IDEAL-Cell prototypes.