A simple high-performance matrix-free biomass molten carbonate fuel cell without CO2 recirculation

作者：Lan Rong; Tao Shanwen

来源：Science Advances, 2016, 2(8): UNSP e1600772.

DOI：10.1126/sciadv.1600772

<jats:p>In previous reports, flowing CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> at the cathode is essential for either conventional molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) based on molten carbonate/LiAlO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> electrolytes or matrix-free MCFCs. For the first time, we demonstrate a high-performance matrix-free MCFC without CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> recirculation. At 800°C, power densities of 430 and 410 mW/cm<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> are achieved when biomass—bamboo charcoal and wood, respectively–is used as fuel. At 600°C, a stable performance is observed during the measured 90 hours after the initial degradation. In this MCFC, CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> is produced at the anode when carbon-containing fuels are used. The produced CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> then dissolves and diffuses to the cathode to react with oxygen in open air, forming the required <jats:inline-formula><m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block" id="m1" overflow="scroll"><m:semantics definitionURL="" encoding=""><m:mrow><m:msubsup><m:mtext>CO</m:mtext><m:mn>3</m:mn><m:mrow><m:mn>2</m:mn><m:mo>−</m:mo></m:mrow></m:msubsup></m:mrow><m:annotation encoding="" /></m:semantics></m:math></jats:inline-formula> or <jats:inline-formula><m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block" id="m2" overflow="scroll"><m:semantics definitionURL="" encoding=""><m:mrow><m:msubsup><m:mtext>CO</m:mtext><m:mn>4</m:mn><m:mrow><m:mn>2</m:mn><m:mo>−</m:mo></m:mrow></m:msubsup></m:mrow><m:annotation encoding="" /></m:semantics></m:math></jats:inline-formula> ions for continuous operation. The dissolved <jats:inline-formula><m:math xmlns:m="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block" id="m3" overflow="scroll"><m:semantics definitionURL="" encoding=""><m:mrow><m:msubsup><m:mi mathvariant="normal">O</m:mi><m:mn>2</m:mn><m:mo>−</m:mo></m:msubsup></m:mrow><m:annotation encoding="" /></m:semantics></m:math></jats:inline-formula> ions may also take part in the cell reactions. This provides a simple new fuel cell technology to directly convert carbon-containing fuels such as carbon and biomass into electricity with high efficiency.</jats:p>

• 出版日期2016-8