Cross-Flow, Solid-State Electrochemical Reactors: A Steady State Analysis

The cross-flow monolith is a novel solid-state electrocatalytic reactor configuration. The solid-state reactor, in principle, can be used to generate electricity, co-generate electricity and useful chemicals, enhance the rate of certain catalytic reactions, or to electrolyze O-containing compounds. The distinguishing feature of the cross-flow geometry Is its Inherently high O^2- transfer area per unit volume, which gives rise to higher calculated power densities than conventional designs. A two-dimensional mixing cell model was constructed to stimulate the distribution of species, temperature, and current density. Results are reported for the species conversion, temperature distribution, thermodynamic energy conversion efficiency, and volumetric power density of a model reaction (CO oxidation over Pt in an yttria-doped zirconia structure).