Degradation mechanism of molten carbonate fuel cell based on long-term performance: Long-term operation by using bench-scale cell and post-test analysis of the cell

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2010-10, Vol.195 (20), p.6988-6996
• Main Authors: Morita, H., Kawase, M., Mugikura, Y., Asano, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Collectors; Degradation; Degradation mechanism; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electric potential; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Electrolytic cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Long-term operation; Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC); Molten carbonate fuel cells; Post-test analysis; Voltage
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2010.04.084

In order to introduce molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) in commercial applications, the target lifetime of a MCFC has been set at 40,000 h. We have carried out long-term operation tests on several bench-scale MCFCs, which include a 66,000-h continuous operation, and clarified the question of voltage degradation in relation to operating time. We have also carried out post-test analyses on the long-term operated cell components including the electrodes, the electrolyte matrix and the current collectors. The results of the long-term operation and the post-test analyses are described in this paper. The degradation mechanisms of voltage and components are discussed.