Biomass solid oxide fuel cell using solid weed waste as fuel. (20th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hibino, Takashi; Kobayashi, Kazuyo; Hitomi, Takuma
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 388(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08-20
• Subjects: Grass biomass -- Perennial weeds -- Solid oxide fuel cell -- Cell performance -- Fuel supply; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138681
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Highlights: An SOFC is proposed to enable efficient and sustainable energy recovery from weed waste. A mixed Ag and Fe2 O3 layer catalyzes the oxidation of weeds at the anode. A power density of 0.41 W cm −2 and an energy density of 0.42 Wh g − 1 are achieved using Solidago canadensis and Pueraria montana, respectively. The mechanism for the anode reactions and the method of fuel supply are discussed. Abstract: Weed waste is an abundant and carbon-neutral feedstock for energy recovery. A potential approach to improve the efficiency of waste-to-energy conversion is the application of a fuel-cell-type reactor to the treatment system to generate electricity from the feedstock, with high power and energy density. Herein, we report a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that directly uses solid weed waste as fuel. Grasses tested in this study were Miscanthus sinensis, Solidago canadensis, and Pueraria montana . The conversion reactions for these grasses, especially in situ gasification, were effectively catalyzed at 800 °C by a thin layer of a silver–iron(III) oxide mixture that was deposited onto the anode substrate. The use of Solidago canadensis and Pueraria montana provided the highest power density (0.41 W cm −2 ) and energy density (0.42 Wh g − 1 ), respectively, which were closely related to their lignin and ash contents. Importantly, this SOFC exhibited good performance not only in batch mode but also in continuous free-fall mode. Graphical abstract: In this report, an SOFC is proposed for efficient and sustainable energy recovery from weed waste. Image, graphical abstract