A multi-scale phase-field modeling for predicting carbon-induced degradation in solid oxide cells

Carbon deposition poses a significant challenge for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) fueled by carbon-containing fuels, such as syngas. To predict the performance evolution of SOFC under carbon deposition, this study develops a Phase Field Method (PFM) approach to investigate carbon evolution in a nickel-based anode, coupled with a one-dimensional transient elementary reaction kinetic model. The kinetic model accounts for the coupled influences arising from heterogeneous elementary reactions (both chemical and electrochemical), the microstructural features of the electrode, as well as the transport phenomena of charge and mass. After validation, the multi-scale model enables analysis of carbon size and distribution, anode porosity, and nickel surface area under different initial microstructural parameters and operating conditions. This work provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of carbon-induced degradation in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and offers a predictive tool to enhance the long-term stability of SOFCs.