LiAlO<sub>2</sub> prepared by nitrates-free synthesis for carbon capture by MCFCs

Abstract

The pure crystalline phase of alpha lithium aluminate, the state-of-the-art matrix support material, was directly prepared by two nitrates-free methods at 650 °C. A solgel method included pyrolysis of a colloidal mixture of aluminum hydroxide sol and lithium formate. The advantages of the used formate pyrolysis are the absence of nitrogen oxide emission in comparison to other combustion methods as well as it provides high homogeneity of a product. The solid-state reaction is a conventional method used in industry so the optimal powder-to-ball weight ratio was found in this study to give a high surface area. Described methods of synthesis are easy, economic and low-emission methods for the preparation of submicron α-LiAlO<sub>2</sub> powders with the surface area of about 25‒27 m 2 /g which is optimal for application as matrix material in мolten сarbonate fuel cells.