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Title: Method of preparing a sintered lithium aluminate structure for containing electrolyte

Patent ·
OSTI ID:863799

A porous sintered tile is formed of lithium aluminate for retaining molten lectrolyte within a fuel cell. The tile is prepared by reacting lithium hydroxide in aqueous solution with alumina particles to form beta lithium aluminate particles. The slurry is evaporated to dryness and the solids dehydrated to form a beta lithium aluminate powder. The powder is compacted into the desired shape and sintered at a temperature in excess of 1200 K. but less than 1900 K. to form a porous integral structure that is subsequently filled with molten electrolyte. A tile of this type is intended for use in containing molten alkali metal carbonates as electolyte for use in a fuel cell having porous metal or metal oxide electrodes for burning a fuel gas such as hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide with an oxidant gas containing oxygen.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 4251600
OSTI ID:
863799
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English