A novel method to determine the transport coefficients of an YSZ electrolyte based on impedance spectroscopy

Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics defines a set of phenomenological coefficients to describe entropy production by means of thermodynamic fluxes. The determination of these phenomenological coefficients has proved to be a challenging task and hence it is not widely spread. In this study, a relationship between Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and these coefficients is successfully presented. This opens the possibility of obtaining these important coefficients with this practical well known technique, allowing the experimental determination of the entropy production specially for a YSZ electrolyte. Reducing the entropy production will lead to an increased efficiency and thus the wider spread of SOFCs and SOECs.

Automated summary

The study successfully established a relationship between Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and phenomenological coefficients in Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics, providing a new approach for experimental determination of entropy production for YSZ electrolyte. This can lead to increased efficiency and wider application of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs).