Research and development on porous components for MCFC applications

A fuel cell is a complex system in which every single part must have optimal and long lasting characteristics to assure a good performance. Our research group has focused on a specific section of a cell, the porous components, the elements that directly come into play and more strongly influence the working and performance. Attention has been focused on matrix, in particular trying to improve it by intervening in the first step of raw powder choice. α-LiAlO2 has been considered a new interesting and promising material to test. The purpose of this work is the study of the possibility of producing an α-LiAlO2-based matrix with suitable properties for a MCFC cell. The subsequent steps of powder characterisation, tape preparation and final product analysis are presented as well as the various application techniques.