Computational Analysis of Trace Airborne Contaminant Capture Pattern in SOFC Advanced Getter

High temperature electrochemical systems, such as Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), offer high energy conversion efficiency but face significant performance degradation due to airborne impurities such as Cr, Si, and B vapors as well as SO 2 and CO 2 gases. These impurities are released from alloys used in the fabrication of the stack and balance-of-plant components and glass seals. When these components are exposed to high temperatures and humid air, these components form respective volatile hydroxide species. These gaseous species can transport to the SOFC air electrodes, resulting in electrochemical poisoning and performance degradation. The degradation in performance is a consequence of alterations in electrode morphology due to the formation of resistive reaction…