Fuel Cell Technology Runs on Solid Carbon

摘要

Whereas hydrogen fuel cells (e.g., proton exchange membrane (PEM) and other fuel cells) generate electricity from the chemical reaction between pure hydrogen and oxygen, direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs) can use any number of carbon-based resources for fuel, including coal, coke, tar, biomass, and organic waste. Because DCFCs make use of readily available fuels, they are potentially more efficient than conventional hydrogen fuel cells. But earlier DCFC designs have several drawbacks. They require high temperatures — 700 to 900 °C — which makes them less efficient and less durable. Further, as a consequence of those high temperatures, they are typically constructed of expensive materials that can handle the heat. Also, early DCFC designs are not able to effectively utilize the carbon fuel. A new fuel cell was developed that incorporates innovations in three components: the anode, the electrolyte, and the fuel. Together, these advancements allow the fuel cell to utilize about three times as much carbon as earlier DCFC designs. The fuel cell also operates at lower temperatures and demonstrated higher maximum power densities than earlier DCFCs.