Phase and microstructure stabilities of LiAlO2 in molten Li/Na carbonate for molten carbonate fuel cells

The phase and microstructure stabilities of LiAlO2 for improving the matrix reliability of molten carbonate fuel cells are investigated. The phase transformation and particle growth of LiAlO2 are examined via immersion tests of pure γ-LiAlO2,an α-/γ-LiAlO2 mixture and pure α-LiAlO2 in molten carbonate at 650 °C in an air atmosphere. Dissolution of Li+ ions occurs mainly from γ-LiAlO2 over an 18 000 h period, and the dissolved Li+ ions precipitate as LiNaCO3 and α-LiAlO2. Particle growth takes place continuously from an early stage of heat-treatment and quickly progresses by the accelerated dissolution and precipitation of Li+ ions after 10 000 h. By contrast, the particle size and the crystalline phase of α-LiAlO2 do not change during 3000 h of immersion. These results show that α-LiAlO2 is less soluble than γ-LiAlO2 and is more stable in molten carbonate.