Porous electrode preparation method

Patent · Tue Oct 18 04:00:00 EDT 1983

OSTI ID:7008502

Arons, R M; Dusek, J T

A porous sintered plaque is provided with a bimodal porosity that is especially well suited for use as an electrode within a molten carbonate fuel cell. The coarse porosity is sufficient for admitting gases into contact with the reaction surfaces while the fine porosity is wetted with and retains molten electrolyte on the reaction sites. The electrode structure is prepared by providing a very fine powder of such as nickel oxide and blending the powder with a suitable decomposable binder to form a solid mass. The mass is comminuted into agglomerate size particles substantially larger than the fine oxide particles and formed into a cohesive compact for subsequent sintering. Sintering is carried out at sufficient conditions to bind the agglomerates together into a porous structure having both coarse and fine porosity. Where lithiated nickel oxide cathodes are prepared, the sintering conditions can be moderate enough to retain substantial quantities of lithium within the electrode for adequate conductivity. 2 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: PTO; EDB-94-123473
• Patent Number(s): US 4410607; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-303325
• OSTI ID: 7008502
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300503* -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
ALKALI METALS
BINDERS
CHALCOGENIDES
COMMINUTION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTS
FABRICATION
FUEL CELLS
HIGH-TEMPERATURE FUEL CELLS
LITHIUM
METALS
MIXING
MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELLS
NICKEL COMPOUNDS
NICKEL OXIDES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POROSITY
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS