Recent advances in high-temperature carbon–air fuel cells. Issue 2 (13th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cao, Tianyu; Huang, Kevin; Shi, Yixiang; Cai, Ningsheng
• Is Part Of: Energy & environmental science. Volume 10:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 460
• Page End: 490
• Publication Date: 2017-01-13
• Subjects: Energy conversion -- Periodicals; Fuel switching -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental chemistry -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ee03462d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-5692

Abstract

Abstract : High-temperature carbon–air fuel cells offer the most efficient and cleanest power generation from coal and other carbon-based materials. Abstract : The development of environmentally clean and energy-efficient coal-based power plants is of strategic importance to meet the increasing demand for more energy and clean air in the future. Carbon–air fuel cells (CAFCs) are a promising class of clean, efficient and sustainable power generators fueled by an abundant, cheap and sometimes renewable fuel source – coal, biomass, municipal waste, and other forms of solid carbons, with low emissions of CO2, NO x, SO x and VOCs. Because of the inherent thermodynamic and environmental advantages, CAFCs have garnered much interest in recent decades. In this article, we review recent advances in material development for catalysts/anodes and novel designs of various types of CAFCs. Fundamental understanding of the mechanisms and rate-limiting steps in carbon conversion is also discussed in detail. Finally, the review is concluded with promises and challenges of CAFCs.