Reforming catalyst pattern for fuel cell operated with enhanced CO2 utilization

A fuel cell stack comprising:

• a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode;
• a reforming element associated with the anode, the reforming element comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising a first portion comprising a reforming catalyst, a reforming catalyst density on the first portion of the first surface comprising a monotonically decreasing catalyst density, the reforming catalyst density on the first portion of the first surface having a difference between a maximum catalyst density and a minimum catalyst density of 20% to 75%, wherein the difference is calculated by subtracting the minimum catalyst density from the maximum catalyst density and then dividing by the maximum catalyst density;
• and
• a separator plate between the anode and the reforming element.