Spatial Distribution of Oxygen Chemical Potential Profile across Zr0.84Y0.16O1.92 / Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 Bilayer Electrolyte under SOFC Operating Conditions

Partial electronic conductivity and total conductivity of Zr0.84Y0.16O1.92 and Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 have been measured by Hebb-Wagner polarization method and D.C. 4-probe conductivity measurements, respectively as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. (600 ≤ temp/˚C ≤ 900, 10-18 ≤ PO 2/atm ≤ 0.21) Theoretical current-voltage characteristics and power density were calculated by integrating partial conductivities of charge carriers under various DC bias condition at fixed oxygen chemical potential gradient at both sides of the electrolyte (YSZ side: PO 2=10-22 GDC side: PO 2=0.21). The spatial distribution of oxygen partial pressure across the bilayer electrolyte with various thickness ratio was calculated based on Choudhury and Patterson’s model by considering zero electrode polarization. From the spatial distribution, oxygen partial pressures of interface were calculated with various operating condition. Interfacial oxygen chemical potential with various thickness ratio (YSZ/GDC) shows strong dependence upon cell operating potential.