Porous ceramic membranes for direct internal reforming molten carbonate fuel cells

The diffusion of alkali vapours in the anode compartment in a DIR-MCFC produces the deactivation of the internal reforming catalyst. Several ceramic porous membranes, to limit the KOH vapour diffusion and to protect the catalyst, have been developed. The influence of the preparation technique and of the preparative variables on the morphological characteristics of the membrane structures has been studied. A screening to select stable materials in the operative conditions of MCFC has been conducted. Tests under simulated molten carbonate fuel cell operative conditions have demonstrated the capability of these membranes to control the alkali diffusion.