Development of molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC)

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) are considered as the second generation fuel cell technology. They are characterized by high temperature of operation 923k and high efficiency for energy conversion. Hydrogen derived from steam reformation of natural gas and coal can be used as a fuel. The heat generated from the cells can be utilized in the reformation reaction of the fuel. The essential components of the MCFC are porous nickel electrodes, matrix for holding the electrolyte mixture, cell assembly hardwares etc. Lithium aluminate (y - liAIO2)is used as the matrix. Y - LiAIO2 powder was prepared by high temperature solid state reaction of Li2Co3 with AI2O3 at 1273K. The y - variety initially obtained at 873 k was transformed into the Y - from on 1273k on prolonged heating. These powders were characterized by x-ray diffraction techniques. Porrous nickel electrodes were fabricated by loose powder sintering technique. Small prototype cells consisting of 10 and 20 cm2 area electrodes were assembled. Lithium aluminate tiles were prepared by cold compaction and sintering and slurry casting techniques for the above. Current densities in the 40-75 mA. cm-2 were obtained at a cell voltage of 0.7v at 923k for short duration. A programme has been initiated to demonstrate higher capacity cells (10 watts per cell)