Abstract
Development of alternative cathode materials, has been a main strategy for solving the cathode dissolution problem of the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC). Ternary compositions of LiFeO~2~, LiCoO~2~ and NiO are expected to combine some desirable properties of each component. Preliminary studies on LiFeO~2~โLiCoO~2~โNiO ternary compositions have shown promising characteristics for the MCFC cathode application. The aim of the present work was to develop these materials further by exploring the ternary system. It was carried out by investigating electronic conductivity and microstructure of the ternary materials and evaluating their electrochemical performance in a laboratoryโscale fuel cell. Ternary materials of two subโsystems were investigated and the study reveals the ability of improving electrical conductivity of these ternary compositions by controlling the LiCoO~2~ content. The appropriate dual pore structure for a proper cathode operation could also be achieved on sintered cathodes by introducing plastic poreformers in the cathode preparation process. Electrochemical performance study of selected cathodes in the laboratory fuel cell showed promising results. The cathode prepared with 20 mole% LiCoO~2~ in the ternary subโsystem with LiFeO~2~:NiO = 25:75, resulted in an iRโcorrected polarization of 62 mV and an iRโdrop of 46 mV at a current density of 160 mAcm^โ2^ at 650โยฐC.