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Behavior of pure and doped ceria in molten alkali carbonates

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5400575

Niobium-doped cerium (IV) oxide was studied as an alternative cathode material for molten carbonate fuel cells. Studies of corrosion by molten (Li,K){sub 2}CO{sub 3} eutectic in air and controlled atmospheres were conducted, as well as microstructural studies (TEM, SEM) and DC electrical-conductivity measurements. The corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of niobium-doped cerium oxide was strongly affected by material-preparation procedures. Silicate grain-boundary phases, attributed to contamination from grinding during powder preparation, served as a sink for the dopant and were readily attacked by the molten carbonate. As a result, materials prepared from mixed oxides showed poor corrosion resistance and low electrical conductivity. However, it is concluded that Nb-doped ceria can be a good alternative as a cathode material for molten carbonate fuel cells when it is prepared by techniques that avoid silicate intergranular phases.

Research Organization:
Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, OH (United States)
OSTI ID:
5400575
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English