Modeling and multiphysics analysis for electrochemical CO2 reduction in solid-electrolyte reactors

Mass transfer and overportential distribution of solid-electrolyte reactors, an electrochemical CO2 conversion equipment, are analyzed by a multiphysics model. It shows that the ohmic loss caused by charge transport in porous solid electrolytes (usually thought to be a major bottleneck of solid-electrolyte reactors) begins to show its significantly negative effect on reactor performance till current densities reach 400 mA/cm(2), much higher than that required for relevant commercial operation (similar to 200 mA/cm(2)). Thus, we suggest much attention should still be put on how to decrease thermodynamics (similar to 1.46 V) and activation losses (>1.4 V) of reactors, rather than developing elaborate structures and materials of porous solid electrolytes to decrease ohmic losses.