MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELLS: PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION OF MATERIALS FOR METALLIC COMPONENTS

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) are electrochemical devices that convert energy of a chemical reaction into electricity without any kind of combustion. The MCFCs work approximately at 650°C; in this way a sufficient conductivity of carbonate electrolyte can be reached. Moreover, gaseous fuel, composed prevalently by H₂, is fed continuously to the anode and an oxidant gas (mixture of air and CO₂) is fed continuously to the cathode. The electrochemical reactions at the electrodes produce an electric current. So, MCFCs are promising for their high efficiency and their low environmental pollution. A limiting aspect for reaching the life-time goal is the corrosion of metallic parts of MCFC, especially for current collectors and separator plates in anodic environment.