Electrochemical Measurements on Cells, I: Simulation of Potential Distribution with an Embedded Probe

Finite element analysis is used to calculate electrochemical potential distributions of charged species and chemical potential distributions of neutral species in solid electrolytes of electrochemical cells. Potential distributions of charged species follow the Laplace equation; while that of neutral species are related to the potentials of charged species through the local chemical equilibrium. Simulations with different cell geometries and transport parameters show that an embedded probe with electrically insulating coating along the probe surface (with tips uncoated) is required for the measurement of electrochemical potential of electrons within a solid electrolyte. Simulation also shows that by optimizing both electronic and ionic conductivities, cell stability can be improved