Direct Carbon Fuel Cell

Direct Carbon Fuel Cell Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC) is a fuel cell that uses carbon-rich material as a fuel. The element produces energy by combining carbon and oxygen, which causes carbon dioxide to release as a byproduct. The efficiency of this fuel cell is about 70% (twice as efficient as in conventional combustion reaction). In general, the reaction in the element is the following: C + O2 turn into CO2. The process in the element's halves is expressed as follows: Anode: C + 2 O2 turn into CO2 + 4 energies Cathode: O2 + 4 energies turn into 2O2 Despite the fact that carbon dioxide is emitted, direct carbon fuel cells are more ecological than traditional coal burning methods. Due to its higher efficiency, this technology requires less carbon to produce the same amount of energy. The carbon used may be coal, coke, or non-fossil sources of carbon. The carbon atoms are highly charged, so the current density at the anode has doubled in comparison with the molecules of hydrogen, adding some useful energy to the weight. There are four types of DCFC The first one is based on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The second one is the cell with a molten hydroxide made in accordance with the patent that William W. Jacques received in the U.S. in 1896.The third is based on molten carbonates (MCFC). William W. Jacques received a Canadian patent for this type of fuel cells in 1897. The fourth uses an anode of molten tin in a solid oxide fuel cell design, which uses molten tin and tin oxide. During the oxidation, carbon dissolves in the anode reducing the oxygen content in the solid oxide cathode. While operating, our fuel cell potential is from 0,2 to 1,5 volts. DCFC is a type of energy sources of the future, but you can already start experimenting with it.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ecology
• energy