Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Surendranath, Arun.
A binder solution for an electrolyte matrix for use with molten carbonate fuel cells is provided. The binder solution includes a first polymer with a molecular weight of less than about 150,000 and a second binder with a molecular weight of greater than about 200,000. The binder solution produces an electrolyte matrix with improved flexibility, matrix particle packing density, strength, and pore structure.
A reinforced electrolyte matrix for a molten carbonate fuel cell includes a porous ceramic matrix, a molten carbonate salt provided in the porous ceramic matrix, and at least one reinforcing structure comprised of at least one of yttrium, zirconium, cerium or oxides thereof. The reinforcing structure does not react with the molten carbonate salt. The reinforced electrolyte matrix separates a porous anode and a porous cathode in the molten carbonate fuel cell.
A method of making an electrolyte matrix includes: preparing a slurry comprising a support material, a coarsening inhibitor, an electrolyte material, and a solvent; and drying the slurry to form an electrolyte matrix. The support material comprises lithium aluminate, the coarsening inhibitor comprises a material selected from the group consisting of MnO 2 , Mn 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , LiFe 2 O 3 , and mixtures thereof, and the coarsening inhibitor has a particle size of about 0.005 μm to about 0.5 μm.
An electrolyte matrix for use with molten carbonate fuel cells having an enhanced stability and lifetime is provided. The electrolyte matrix includes lithium aluminate as a support material and a coarsening inhibitor. The coarsening inhibitor may be in the form of discrete particles or a dopant present in the support material. The coarsening inhibitor may include MnO 2 , Mn 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , LiFe 2 O 3 , or mixtures thereof. The coarsening inhibitor prevents the formation of large pores in the electrolyte matrix during operation of the fuel cell, increasing the performance and the service lifetime of the electrolyte matrix.