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

Jian Cheng,Shisen Xu,Ruiyun Zhang,Liejin Guo

doi:10.1155/2014/625893

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.

Highlights

The electrolyte matrix is a key component in molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) [1], which provides both ionic conduction and gas sealing
The matrix is an important component in MCFC; every aspect of its production could influence the final performance of the cell
MCFC electrolyte matrices were prepared by tape casting

Summary

Introduction

The electrolyte matrix is a key component in MCFC [1], which provides both ionic conduction and gas sealing. LiAlO2 powder is typically used as material for electrolyte matrices. MCFC matrices are usually fabricated by tape casting. Slurry preparation is the most critical step in matrix tape casting. LiAlO2 powder, organic binder, plasticizer, dispersant, and other additives are added into a kind of solvent and mixed with a ball mill to obtain uniform and stable slurry with certain fluidity. The selection of LiAlO2 powder particle size, solvent, dispersant, binder, and plasticizer is very important to the process of tape casting and directly affects the performance of tape casting slurry, the performance of green sheets, and eventually the performance of hotpressed matrices. Batra et al [4]

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