Design and Operation of a Novel Carbon/air Fuel Cell

A number of LTA+ICFCs have been designed, constructed, operated and characterised to identify salient parameters necessary in the scale+up and commercialisation of this type of fuel cell. A high+density alumina ceramic was used as the liquid tin anode container which allowed extensive operation for more than 1,750 hours. A closed-end tubular 10 mol-%YSZ electrolyte with the thickness of 1.57 mm was compatible with the liquid tin and was continuously operated for more than 360 hours. The maximum power density of the fuel cell acquired at 800 °C was 1.3 mW.cm^2 due to the relatively thick electrolyte. The effect of cathode fabrication methods,preparation conditions of the high temperature composite cathodes (LSM+YSZ and LSM), on their characteristics and function, have been studied. Suitable composite cathodes and current collectors were prepared and characterised using a four+point probe measurement, scanning electron microscopy, and image analysis software (ImageJ). 1D modelling of electrochemical processes and electrochemical characterisation using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of the operating LTA+ICFC demonstrated the feasibility of the concept of an LTA+ICFC.