A promising direct carbon fuel cell based on the cathode-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cell technology

A novel direct carbon fuel cell is designed and fabricated using cathode-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cell technology, which makes the research and optimization of fuel electrode much easier. The maximum power density of a SO-DCFC (solid oxide direct carbon fuel cell) single cell is 172.7 and 91.1 mW cm−2 at 900 and 850 °C, respectively, with carbon as the fuel humidified nitrogen to initiate reforming reactions. Results show that the cathode supported tubular design may have future promise.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The novel direct carbon fuel cell is designed with the cathode-supported tubular SOFC. ► This kind of direct carbon fuel cell shows an extremely friendly structure. ► The maximum power density of the DCFC reaches 172.7 and 91.1 mW cm−2 at 900 and 850 °C, respectively. ► The results show a promising future of the cathode supported tubular design.