H+ ions; molten carbonate fuel cell(MCFC), with
molten Li2CO3 as electrolyte in a LiAlO2 matrix,
transporting CO32 ions; and solid oxide fuel cell
(SOFC), with solid yttria-stabilised zirconia electrolytes that allow O2
transport. The majority of cells
use a catalyst to speed up the reactions taking place.
These are mostly platinum-based, and are deposited
upon the electrodes as small highly dispersed particles, but the molten carbonate cell has an advantage
in that it uses a cheaper nickel catalyst.