United Technologies Corporation

The United States of America As Represented by the United States

International Fuel Cells, LLC

Wayne G Wnuck

Roger R Lesieur

Herbert J Setzer

Thomas E Swarr

Sam Karavolis

Bryan J Dec

Raymond J Jarvis

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

A method for fabricating ribbed electrodes that accommodates the shrinkage which occurs during thermal cycling reducing the cracks caused by the confining stresses of a mold. A composition comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper and mixtures thereof with chromium onto a ribbed mold. The mold and composition are prefired in a reducing atmosphere forming a ribbed electrode. The ribbed electrode is removed from the mold and sintered in a reducing atmosphere.

Method for fabricating molten carbonate ribbed anodes

High activity steam reforming catalysts are described particularly adapted for use in autothermal reforming processes. A rhodium catalyst on a calcium oxide impregnated alumina substrate allow the autothermal reforming process to take place with substantially no carbon plugging at oxygen to carbon ratios below what had been considered critical for avoiding carbon plugging of the catalyst in the past.

Autothermal reforming catalyst and process

Growing community of inventors

Stafford Springs, CT, United States of America

Wayne G Wnuck