The Optimization of Matrix Preparation Process and Performance Testing for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

Abstract

A key component in the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is electrolyte matrix, which provides both ionic conduction and gas sealing. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of selected operating conditions on the performance of the matrix preparation. Slurries were prepared to produce matrices by the technique of tape casting. The characteristics of the slurries and matrices were examined by laser particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, and BET surface area analyzer. The testing results revealed that a slurry composition with 40 wt.% lithium aluminate was the optimal formulation to produce a good matrix with a pore size distribution of 0.1–0.4 μm and porosity of 50 vol.%. Coarse and fine LiAlO2particles were added in the matrix slurry to enhance the mechanical strength. Several green sheets were heated and pressed to enhance the bulk density to get a dense matrix of MCFC. Finally, a single MCFC was assembled and tested. The testing results showed the matrix with 40% solid loading gave the maximum discharge current of 20 A at 0.56 V.

A review on MCFC matrix: State-of-the-art, degradation mechanisms and technological improvements

“…1 ), the state-of-the-art material consists of lithium aluminate LiAlO 2 reinforced by Al agents. Among three allotropic forms, α -LiAlO 2 hexagonal structure, β-LiAlO 2 monoclinic structure and γ -LiAlO 2 tetragonal structure [ 38 ], α-phase [ [39] , [40] , [41] ] and γ -phase [ 28 , 29 , 33 , 40 , 42 ] are mainly used as MCFC matrices.

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Effect of Cs2CO3in Li/K and Li/Na Carbonate on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction for MCFC

“…[1][2][3] The durability and performance of MCFCs is significantly influenced by the employed molten carbonate electrolytes, which result in different degrees of NiO dissolution, anode creep, and mechanical strength of the matrix in the fuel cells. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) that occurs at the MCFC cathode often limits the fuel cell performance, since the ORR kinetics are relatively slower than that of the hydrogen oxidation reaction at the anode. The ORR performance of cathode is also significantly affected by the physicochemical properties of the electrolyte, such as the electrical conductivity, oxygen solubility, and solution wettability.…”