Fabrication of porous components for molten carbonate fuel cell

The development of porous anode, cathode and electrolyte matrix for molten carbonate fuel cell at Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), as part of our ongoing fuel cell stack development program, is described. The final characteristics of the electrodes and matrix prepared by tape casting and sintering were found to be influenced by the processing conditions. The required properties for the anode and cathode could be achieved by controlling the sintering and slurry preparation conditions. After cell testing, anode underwent reduction in porosity. The cathode showed development of small pores as well as reduction in porosity after cell test. The matrix characteristics were a function of the slurry composition. The tapes with higher ceramic content showed the requisite porosity and pore size distribution.