Investigation of a Ni(Mg,Fe)O Cathode for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

The Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) converts chemical energy into electrical energy and heat. Since the working temperature is high, less expensive materials can be used compared to low temperature fuel cells. However, the components of the fuel cell still need to be improved. The dissolution of the NiO cathode has, for a long time, been a problem for the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) and this area is still the focus for MCFC component research. In this study, solubility measurements for a NiO cathode material doped with magnesium and iron are carried out and the electrochemical performance of this cathode material is tested under the standard conditions of the MCFC over 2,000 hours and compared with the performance of a standard NiO cathode. After operation, nickel precipitation in the matrices is investigated. It is concluded that a NiO cathode with magnesium and iron could be a viable candidate material for the MCFC.