Temperature Effects on Topologically-Optimized Structure of Porous Reaction-Diffusion System

Porous catalytic reactors are vital in chemical and electrochemical engineering, with applications ranging from chemical compounds production to battery and fuel cell functioning. Improving the efficiency of these reactors is crucial for sustainable development. Advanced manufacturing techniques and novel porous structures have led to more efficient reactors, reducing energy consumption and improving conversion rates. Mathematical modeling and optimization techniques might be used to enhance the reactor performance by providing an optimal structural design that leads to a compromise among the competing transport and rate phenomena. Topology optimization is a powerful mathematical tool that can be used to seek optimized material distribution in a porous reactor. In this study, a volume-averaged model is developed, integrating mass and heat transfer with chemical reaction processes. Through the utilization of an iterative topology optimization algorithm, the study showcases how a heterogeneous material distribution can significantly enhance overall electrode performance while effectively controlling the average temperature within the system.