Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system is expected as a promising power generation system in the future because of its high efficiency, fuel flexibity, and capability of exergy recovery from waste heat. For successful implementation of SOFC, hierarchic design tools from macroscopic system level, to microscopic electrode level must be developed. Currently, both experimental and numerical approaches for designing more reliable and efficient SOFC are conducted, which enables us to predict and control large spatiotemporal phenomena from power-generation system to electrode micro reaction. Particularly, the effects of electrode microstructure on cell polarization characteristics are intensively investigated. Micro-tubular anode support SOFCs and button cells are fabricated, and I-V as well as impedance spectroscopy measurements have been carried out. Detailed lattice Boltzmann method simulation of the electrochemical reaction in micro porous electrodes based on actual electrode microstructures obtained by Focuced Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) has been carried out.

3D LBM simulation of anode
microstructure obtained by FIB-SEM:
Oxide ion electrochemical potential.