# Characterization of gas diffusion electrodes for metal-air batteries

## TL;DR

This paper develops advanced 2D and 3D multiphase Lattice-Boltzmann models to analyze the wetting behavior and phase distribution in gas diffusion electrodes, aiding the design of more efficient metal-air batteries.

## Contribution

It introduces heterogeneous wetting models for gas diffusion electrodes using FIB-SEM reconstructions and multiphase Lattice-Boltzmann simulations, enhancing understanding of phase behavior.

## Key findings

- Pressure-saturation characteristics derived from simulations
- Transport correlations for heterogeneous wetting behavior
- Improved parameters for continuum-scale modeling

## Abstract

Gas diffusion electrodes are commonly used in high energy density metal-air batteries for the supply of oxygen. Hydrophobic binder materials ensure the coexistence of gas and liquid phase in the pore network. The phase distribution has a strong influence on transport processes and electrochemical reactions. In this article we present 2D and 3D Rothman-Keller type multiphase Lattice-Boltzmann models which take into account the heterogeneous wetting behavior of gas diffusion electrodes. The simulations are performed on FIB-SEM 3D reconstructions of an Ag model electrode for predefined saturation of the pore space with the liquid phase. The resulting pressure-saturation characteristics and transport correlations are important input parameters for modeling approaches on the continuum scale and allow for an efficient development of improved gas diffusion electrodes.