International Fuel Cells, LLC

The United States of America as Represented by the United States

Thomas E Swarr

John C Trocciola

Harry L Tuller

Donald L Maricle

Myron Krasij

Richard C Nickols, Jr

Wayne G Wnuck

A ceria electrolyte composition is disclosed. The composition provides high ionic conductivity and low electronic conductivity under reducing conditions. Fuel cells employing the disclosed composition exhibit improved efficiency and power density.

Ceria electrolyte composition

Molten carbonate fuel cell cathodes formed from a composition comprising oxides of nickel, lithium salts and barium salts having improved strength. These cathodes are fabricated by prefiring oxides of nickel and optionally lithium salts. The prefired powder is optionally leached with an organic acid and optional barium salts may be added. These powders are formed into an electrode and sintered. The resulting electrodes have improved strength.

Method of fabricating molten carbonate cathodes

A method is disclosed for preparing a dimensionally stable electrode structure, particularly nickel-chromium anodes, for use in a molten carbonate fuel cell stack. A low-chromium to nickel alloy is provided and oxidized in a mildly oxidizing gas of sufficient oxidation potential to oxidize chromium in the alloy structure. Typically, a steam/H.sub.2 gas mixture in a ratio of about 100/1 and at a temperature below 800.degree. C. is used as the oxidizing medium. This method permits the use of less than 5 weight percent chromium in nickel alloy electrodes while obtaining good resistance to creep in the electrodes of a fuel cell stack.

Method of preparing a dimensionally stable electrode for use in a MCFC

Molten carbonate cathodes and method of fabricating

A method of forming thin porous sheets of ceramic material for use as electrodes or other components in a molten carbonate fuel cell is disclosed. The method involves spray drying a slurry of fine ceramic particles in liquid carrier to produce generally spherical agglomerates of high porosity and a rough surface texture. The ceramic particles may include the electrode catalyst and the agglomerates can be calcined to improve mechanical strength. After slurrying with suitable volatile material and binder tape casting is used to form sheets that are sufficiently strong for further processing and handling in the assembly of a high temperature fuel cell.

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South Windsor, CT, United States of America

Thomas E Swarr