AIR ELECTRODE MATERIAL FOR MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELL AND ITS MANUFACTURE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively inhibit the elution of an air electrode material, such as nickel or iron, by forming the air electrode material from covered particles obtained when nickel or iron particles are covered with cobalt or cobalt oxide on their surfaces. SOLUTION: An air electrode material comprises covered particles excellent in molten salt resistance, which are obtained when material particles functioning as an air electrode during battery operation are covered at their surfaces. Nickel is converted into nickel oxide by oxidization process after being assembled into the battery to function as an air electrode. Iron is also converted into iron oxide and functions in the same way. The amount of cobalt or cobalt oxide added as cover material particles is preferably 2 to 30 wt.% of the total weight of the air electrode material particles. At less than 2 wt.%, it is difficult to cover the surfaces of the air electrode material particles uniformly; in excess of 30 wt.%, the amount of the cover material is so large that the material is likely to remain without covering the air electrode material.