Cathode-supported hybrid direct carbon fuel cells

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 42; no. 7; pp. 4311 - 4319
• Main Authors: Gil, Vanesa, Gurauskis, Jonas, Deleebeeck, Lisa, Stamate, Eugen, Hansen, K. Kammer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 16.02.2017
• Subjects: Backbone; Cathode-supported; Direct carbon fuel cells; Solid oxide fuel cell; Backbone; Direct carbon fuel cells; Solid oxide fuel cell; Cathode-supported
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.11.049

The direct conversion of coal to heat and electricity by a hybrid direct carbon fuel cell (HDCFC) is a highly efficient and cleaner technology than the conventional combustion power plants. HDCFC is defined as a combination of solid oxide fuel cell and molten carbonate fuel cell. This work investigates cathode-supported cells as an alternative configuration for HDCFC, with better catalytic activity and performance. This study aims to define the best processing route to manufacture highly efficient cathode-supported cells based on La0.75Sr0.25MnO3/yttria-stabilized zirconia infiltrated backbones. The challenges on the development of high-performance backbones are discussed. In this study, cathode-supported configuration was confirmed to be more efficient for the oxidation of carbon than anode supported configuration. The maximum power density of the cathode-supported cell increased almost by a factor of two when compared with the anode-supported cell. •Porous interlayer backbones as a tool in the development of cathode-supported cells.•Cathode-supported full cells with no secondary phases were achieved at 1250 °C.•Direct carbon fuel cells present the highest performance when cathode-supported.