Stochastic microstructure modeling of SOC electrodes based on a pluri-Gaussian method

Digital Materials Design (DMD) offers new possibilities for data-driven microstructure optimization of solid oxide cells (SOC). Despite the progress in 3D-imaging, experimental microstructure investigations are typically limited to only a few tomography analyses. In this publication, a DMD workflow is presented for extensive virtual microstructure variation, which is based on a limited number of real tomography analyses. Real 3D microstructures, which are captured with FIB-tomography from LSTN-CGO anodes, are used as a basis for stochastic modeling. Thereby, digital twins are constructed for each of the three real microstructures. The virtual structure generation is based on the pluri-Gaussian method (PGM). In order to match the properties of selected virtual microstructures (i.e., digital twins) with real structures, the construction parameters for the PGM-model are determined by interpolation of a database of virtual structures. Moreover, the relative conductivities of the phases are optimized with morphological operations. The digital twins are then used as anchor points for virtual microstructure variation of LSTN-CGO anodes, covering a wide range of compositions and porosities. All relevant microstructure properties are determined using our standardized and automated microstructure characterization procedure, which was recently published. The microstructure properties can then e.g., be used as input for a multiphysics electrode model to predict the corresponding anode performances. This set of microstructure properties with corresponding performances is then the basis to provide design guidelines for improved electrodes. The PGM-based structure generation is available as a new Python app for the GeoDict software package. A workflow for the stochastic microstructure modeling of solid oxide cell electrodes is presented. Based on a few real microstructures, the design space can be virtually explored, allowing for a subsequent optimization of microstructure properties.