Solid state electrochemistry of direct carbon/air fuel cells

摘要: Abstract In direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs), elemental is electrochemically oxidised to generate electrical power. Carbon readily available, easily transported and stored and, therefore, affordable the global energy economy. Further operational advantages include use of fully renewable solid bio-carbon sources opportunity for scale-up. Herein we discuss a DCFC which utilises molten mixed alkali metal carbonate eutectic as secondary electrolyte, contained within oxide cell. The operation small working semi-fuel has been successfully demonstrated over an extended temperature range (525–900 °C) using carbons derived from fossil, waste sources. Preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrate open circuit voltages (OCVs) well in excess 1 V indicate that oxidation Boudouard conversion both contribute process, with dominant process changing extent electrode/electrolyte component.