ALTERNATIVE ELECTRODE SUPPORTS AND GAS DISTRIBUTORS FOR MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS

摘要

A molten carbonate fuel cell having an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte matrix disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. An electrode support constructed of a high porosity reticulated foam material is disposed on an anode electrode face of at least one of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode facing away from the electrolyte matrix and forming a plurality of pores. An electrolyte is disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of pores, whereby at least a portion of the electrolyte flows into the electrolyte matrix during initial conditioning of the fuel cell.