Synthesis of α-LiAlO<sub>2</sub> powders of controlled particle size composition for a matrix electrolyte based on carbonate melts

Three methods of synthesis α-LiAlO2 powders for the preparation of a matrix electrolyte for a molten carbonate fuel cell have been considered. The submicron fraction with a specific surface area of 79 m2/g was obtained from an aqueous solution by spray pyrolysis and the large rod-shaped fractions with particles up to 19 μm in length were obtained by synthesis in halide melt and in aqueous solution. Tape casted ceramic matrices were tested in the single fuel cell with 53Li2CO3–47Na2CO3 melt as an electrolyte. The matrices have demonstrated good gas tightness; nitrogen inleakage in anode space did not exceed 0.6 % during 1100 h lifetime test, which included 15 thermal cycles with cooling the cell below melting point of the electrolyte.