Polarization of the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Anode and Cathode

Abstract

A dual‐porosity, agglomerate‐type model for the porous anode and cathode of the molten carbonate fuel cell is developed and used to predict electrode performance in a small, differential‐conversion, cell. The model is based on a phenomenological treatment of mass transport, electrode kinetics, and ionic conduction, combined with structural assumptions. The model predicts the steady‐state performance, given a minimum number of structural parameters. Comparison with experimental data for a 3 cm2 anode and cathode shows good agreement for plausible values of these parameters.

Optimization of the Cathode Long-Term Stability in Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells: Experimental Study and Mathematical Modeling

“…Several theoretical models have been derived for the molten carbonate fuel cathode [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. Earlier approaches to modeling the MCFC cathode have relied on empirical equations, which are restricted to the specific cathode material and design parameters for which the equations have been derived.…”

“…Earlier approaches to modeling the MCFC cathode have relied on empirical equations, which are restricted to the specific cathode material and design parameters for which the equations have been derived. First principles based theoretical models for MCFC cathode can be divided into the thin film model [31] and the agglomerate model [32]. Wilemski assumed that the MCFC cathode could be described as a cylindrical pore covered with a thin film of electrolyte.…”

Analysis of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Performance Using a Three-Phase Homogeneous Model

“…This slow loss of active material contributes to an increase in the overall cell resistance thereby reducing the energy density and power density of the fuel cell stack. Alternate cathodes such as LiCoO 2 and LiFeO 2 have been tried to avoid the dissolution problems faced with NiO. However, these materials suffer from lower reaction kinetics and/or higher ohmic resistance as compared to nickel oxide.…”

“…2 Wilemski 1 assumed that the MCFC cathode could be described as a cylindrical pore covered with a thin film of electrolyte. Gases flowing through the pore dissolve at the surface of the film and diffuse to the surface of the pore and react there.…”

“…The more common and popular approach for describing the MCFC cathode is the agglomerate model proposed by Yuh and Selman. 2 In this approach, the electrode is assumed to consist of cylindrical agglomerates completely flooded with electrolyte. Gaseous species move through straight cylindrical channels of macropores.…”