LONG-TERM OPERATION OF SMALL-SIZED SINGLE MOLTEN-CARBONATE FUEL-CELLS

Single molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), with an effective electrod e area of 256 cm(2) and state-of-the-art components, are run at 150 mA cm(-2) under atmospheric pressure for 15 000 and 40 000 h, then the c omponents are analyzed for material degradation. Cell output is reduce d due to a short-circuit induced by dissolution of the NiO cathode, in crease of LR-drop, and increase of anode and cathode polarization. It is concluded that the main factors that limit the life of the material s are dissolution of the NiO cathode and the degradation of LiAlO2 mat rix. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.