Spatially Heterogeneous Chemistry Observed using NIRTI on SOFC Anodes

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are high temperature electrochemical conversion devices which are challenging to study due to their high operating temperature and dual atmosphere requirements. Traditional tools to study SOFCs are unable to resolve any spatial dependent chemistry which may be occurring on the cell. This study used Near Infrared Thermal Imaging (NIRTI) to identify spatially varying temperature changes indicative of heterogeneous chemistry occurred during C remediation reactions using gas phase oxidants and electrochemical oxidation on anode-supported SOFCs. The spatial dependences observed are probably due to kinetics and transport of the oxidizing species involved, which may provide insight for modeling SOFC kinetics and operation.