Synthesis of Mn-, Ni-Doped LiAlO2 Matrix for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

Abstract

The phase stability of electrolyte matrix was improved by metal dopant materials which are Ni and Mn. The Ni-, Mn-doped LiAlO2 and dopant-free LiAlO2 were prepared by the mechanochemical process (MCP). The effects of dopant material, molar ratio and type of precursor were investigated after heat treatment at 700 and 800 degrees C. As a results, the Mn-doped LiAlO2 prevents phase transition even at higher operating temperature. Also, the stability was increased when Mn4+ ion was adapted as a precursor source than Mn3+ ion and the minimum Mn content to maintain the alpha-phase after heat treatment at 800 degrees C is found to be LiAl0.75Mn0.25O2. This result suggested that the formation of nano-sized particles confirmed the applicability as a matrix material with excellent electrolyte impregnation.