Norihiro Tomimatsu

Stabilized matrix for molten carbonate fuel cell

For commercialization of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) power plants, the most important factors are MCFC performance and life. The performance and life of an MCFC depend on the electrolyte loss and gas crossover due to the matrix degradation, such as LiAlO/sub 2/ particle growth during cell operation and the matrix cracking at the initial heat-up stage. In order to suppress the matrix degradation, we fabricated a stabilized matrix with /spl alpha/-LiAlO/sub 2/ as the electrolyte support material and with long /spl alpha/-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ fibers as the reinforcement. We assembled the cell with the stabilized matrix. The performance of the cell is stable for 7000 hours. We consider that the matrix degradation, such as the particle growth during cell operation and matrix cracking, has not occurred in this cell.