Carbon Gasification from a Molten Carbonate Eutectic. Issue 10 (5th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Glenn, Michael J.; Allen, Jessica A.; Donne, Scott W.
• Is Part Of: Energy technology. Volume 7:Issue 10(2019:Oct.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-08-05
• Subjects: alkali metal carbonate molten salts -- carbon gasification -- direct carbon fuel cells -- gasification catalysis; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.201900602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2194-4288

Abstract

Abstract : This investigation explores the impact of using a ternary alkali metal carbonate eutectic, i.e., Li2 CO3, Na2 CO3, and K2 CO3 (43.5: 31.5: 25 mol%, respectively), as a catalyst for carbon gasification under CO2 and non‐CO2 atmospheres. Gasification under CO2, i.e., the reverse Boudouard reaction, is a well‐understood process with considerable commercial interest. However, in the context of direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) operations, it is a parasitic reaction because it consumes fuel without producing power. In this study, the effect on carbon gasification of a common DCFC electrolyte is examined. Thermogravimetric analysis shows gasification occurring in the absence of a CO2 atmosphere, which has significant implications for DCFCs using alkali metal carbonates as the secondary electrolyte. A combined reaction mechanism is proposed which entails gasification from carbonate and carbonate decomposition. Abstract : Reaction pathways diagram for a carbonate‐containing solid oxide–direct carbon fuel cell (SO‐DCFC) arrangement is shown with yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) solid membranes and a nickel current collector.