An effective fabrication method for rod-shaped gamma-LiA1O(2), particles for molten carbonate fuel cell matrices via the synthesis of porous beta-LiA1O(2) agglomerates that are easily washed and dispersed with deionized water has been investigated. In order to make large pores and high porosity in the reaction mixture, powder types of carbon and ammonium carbonate that make little ash and undesired material during the whole process are utilized. Regardless of the kind of pore-formers used, most of the rod-shaped beta-/gamma-LiA1O(2) particles are 1 mum in diameter and 10-15 mum long (aspect ratio of 10-15). The crystal structure of rod-shaped gamma-LiA1O(2) particles synthesized from the reaction mixture with pore-formers coincides exactly with that of commercial gamma-LiA1O(2) powders. As a consequence, cell performance using rod-shaped gamma-LiA1O(2) particle reinforced matrices is highly improved in comparison with non-reinforced standard matrices. (D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.