Study on LiI and KI with low melting temperature for electrolyte replenishment in molten carbonate fuel cells

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 44; no. 47; pp. 25930 - 25938
• Main Authors: Bae, Jae Kwan, Kim, Hyun-Woo, Accardo, Grazia, Kim, Ghun Sik, Ham, Hyung Chul, Jang, Seong-Cheol, Cho, Yong Soo, Yoon, Sung Pil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 04.10.2019
• Subjects: Electrolyte precursor; In-situ; LiI; MCFC; Replenishment; In-situ; Replenishment; LiI; KI; MCFC; Electrolyte precursor
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.08.050

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) are regarded as the closest fuel cell to commercialization due to their high capacity and energy efficiency. However, they are operated at a high temperature (620 °C or higher), where liquid electrolyte loss occurs during operation; hence, their lifetime is limited. For the long-term operation of MCFCs, it is essential to develop a novel method to replenish the electrolyte during operation. However, it is very difficult to directly inject the electrolyte, (Li0.62K0.38)2CO3, into each unit cell of the stack unless it is supplemented through liquid or gas phase at low temperature. It was verified whether LiI and KI, which have low melting points and high vapor pressures, could replenish the lost electrolyte in MCFCs. In this study, the LiI and KI injected into the unit cell in liquid phase showed a similar tendency to the Li/K carbonate electrolyte. This is because LiI and KI react with the CO2/O2 gases supplied to the cathode during MCFC operation to form Li/K carbonate electrolytes. •Electrolyte precursors (LiI and KI) were selected by thermodynamic calculation.•LiI and KI with low melting temp. are suitable for electrolyte replenishment.•LiI and KI supplements are effective in ensuring stable performance for MCFCs.