Carbon may be reacted directly, without gasification, in a molten carbonate fuel cell. The cathode reaction is 2CO_2 + O_2 + 4e- => 2CO3=, while the anode reaction can be either C + 2CO_3= => 3CO_2 + 4e- or 2C + CO_3= => 3CO + 2e-.The direct carbon fuel cell has an advantage over fuel cells using coal-derived synthesis gas in that it provides better overall efficiency and reduces equipment requirements. For solid carbon fuel the molten carbonate cell has an advantage over solid oxide fuel cells in that the anode produces more CO_2 and less CO than chemical equilibrium predicts. Also, the liquid electrolyte provides a means for transporting the solid carbon.
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