Advanced fuel cell development

Research and development activities on both molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells is reported. The efforts on development of molten carbonate fuel cells have been directed principally toward seeking alternative cathode materials to NiO. Based on an investigation of the thermodynamically stable phases formed under cathode conditions with a number of transition metal oxides, synthesis of prospective alternative cathode materials and doping of these materials to promote electronic conductivity is under way. The compounds LiFeO2, Li2MnO3, and ZnO have been doped to give suitable conductivity. Solubility data were taken for NiO, CoO, and NiO-CoO in a cathode environment with different carbonate salt compositions. Techniques are for the preparation of thin electrode and electrolyte materials by tape casting, and a creep resistant superstructure for the anode are studied. Development of an advanced, high power density fuel cell is examined. By employing the thin ceramic layer components of existing solid oxide fuel cells in a strong, lightweight structure of small cells, unequaled power per unit mass or volume can be achieved. Advanced electrolyte fabrication, electrolyte sintering and interconnection and electrode fabrication were investigated.