Effect of oxidation on the Al-foam reinforced matrix, for molten carbonate fuel cells

Abstract

In this study, Al-foam as a support material is used to reinforce the mechanical strength of the matrix. The use of an Al-foam supported matrix improves mechanical strength but has lower cell performance than using a conventional matrix. The main reasons for the low performance of the cell using the Al-foam supported matrix are short circuit due to leakage current through the Al-foam support and low electrolyte retention capability because of low wettability of aluminum to the liquid electrolytes. To solve these problems, we have developed a process to oxidize the surface of Al-foam reinforced matrix. By observing the unit cell performances, electrochemical analyses and morphological changes according to various oxide thicknesses of the Al-foam support, we have confirmed the optimal oxidation conditions for the Al-foam reinforced matrix. As a result, it was confirmed that the use of an oxidized Al-foam reinforced matrix of about 30 vol% can achieve a cell performance of more than 0.8 V under the current load of 150 mA/cm(2) and improve long-term stability. 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.