The effect of anode geometry on cell performance in molten carbonate fuel cell

The Ni-Al anodes of the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) with three different structures were successfully fabricated in order to reduce the thickness of anode; one was the non-supported anode made by a conventional tape casting method, and others were the supported anodes made by lamination or direct casting on the porous nickel screen. The single cell performances using the prepared anodes were demonstrated above more than 1,000h at operation temperature of 650°C. The cell performances of the non-supported anode, the laminated anode, and the direct cast anode were 0.835, 0.857, and 0.858V, respectively, at current density of 150mA/cm2. The corresponding amounts of nitrogen cross-over of the cell A, B, and C were 4.2, 1.0, and 0.6% at operation time around 1,000h. It was shown from these experimental results that the thin anode by direct casting method improved the mechanical strength and MCFC performance. The ability to utilize a thin configuration of anode should cut down the amount of nickel alloy, and consequently reduce its manufacturing cost.