Cathode collector structures for molten carbonate fuel cell

A method for producing electricity in a molten carbonate fuel cell, the method comprising:

• introducing an anode input stream comprising H2, a reformable fuel, or a combination thereof into an anode gas collection zone, the anode gas collection zone being defined by an anode surface, a first separator plate, and an anode collector providing support between the anode surface and the first separator plate;
• introducing a cathode input stream comprising O2 and CO2 into a cathode gas collection zone, the cathode gas collection zone being defined by a cathode surface, a second separator plate, and a cathode collector providing support between the cathode surface and the second separator plate;
• and
• operating the molten carbonate fuel cell at a transference of 0.97 or less, a CO2 utilization of at least 75%, and an average current density of 60 mA/cm2 or more to generate electricity, an anode exhaust comprising H2, CO, and CO2, and a cathode exhaust comprising 2.0 vol% or less CO2, 1.0 vol% or more O2, and 1.0 vol% or more H2O,
• wherein 45% or more of the cathode collector is an open area, wherein the open area is a portion of the cathode collector not in contact with the cathode surface, wherein the cathode surface comprises one or more grooves, and wherein 2% or more of the open surface area corresponds to the one or more grooves.