Energy Storage Science and Technology ›› 2023, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (8): 2444-2456.doi: 10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2023.0112

• Energy Storage Materials and Devices • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Cathodic dissolution and protection of molten carbonate fuel cells

Cong LI1,2(), Tao WANG1,2, Yanjie REN1,2, Libo ZHOU1, Jian CHEN1, Wei CHEN1()   

  1. 1.School of Energy and Power Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, Hunan, China
    2.Qingyuan Yuebo Technology Co. , Ltd, Qingyuan 511540, Guangdong, China
  • Received:2023-04-13 Revised:2023-04-23 Online:2023-08-05 Published:2023-08-23
  • Contact: Wei CHEN E-mail:liconghntu@csust.edu.cn;weichen@csust.edu.cn

Abstract:

The molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is an efficient and sustainable power generation technology with high energy conversion efficiency and emission purification degree. Despite its immense potential, the development of MCFCs has been hindered owing to their high operating temperature and the unique properties of the molten carbonate electrolyte. Cathode dissolution is a severe issue that can lead to problems, such as Ni short circuits, negatively affecting fuel cell performance and lifespan. This review presents strategies for reducing cathode dissolution in MCFCs. It provides a brief overview of recent research on improving cathode dissolution from three aspects: alternative materials, coating modification, and additives. The review discusses the limitations of alternative NiO material and proposes the potential of coating technology to enhance the cathodic chemical performance of NiO and reduce cathode dissolution. The advantages and disadvantages of coating technology are also detailed, including research advancements and performance evaluations of methods, such as solution impregnation electroplating, sol-gel process, and atomic layer deposition. In addition, the article explores methods for reducing cathode dissolution by increasing the alkalinity of the electrolyte and incorporating alkaline oxides into NiO. However, it also highlights the risk of compromising cell performance by introducing excessive oxides. Overall, the article suggests that by developing new additives, leveraging coating technologies, compensating for the performance deficiencies of alloy cathode materials, and exploring new composite materials and other approaches, it is possible to obtain high-performance, low-cost cathode materials, thereby achieving large-scale commercialization of MCFC.

Key words: molten carbonate fuel cell, cathode, dissolve, coating, electrolyte

CLC Number: