Electrochemical Degradation Mechanisms in Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells and Strategies for Corrosion Mitigation

Keywords

molten carbonate fuel cells, corrosion, protective coatings, nitrides, spinels, current collectors, electrochemical degradation

Abstract

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) offer high efficiency and fuel flexibility, but they suffer from corrosion of metallic components, particularly current collectors. This work examines degradation mechanisms of Fe-, Cr-, and Ni-based alloys under MCFC conditions, highlighting oxide dissolution and spinel growth that increase ASR. Advanced strategies, including alloying and coatings (CrN, TiN, TiAlN, Co-Cr, Cu-Ni-Zn-Fe), are discussed as pathways to improve durability and enable liquid-fuel MCFC applications.

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