Direct carbon fuel cell
The carbon fuel cells ( Direct Carbon Fuel Cell Data Sheet ( DCFC ) ) is a fuel cell, which operates according to the principle of direct conversion of the carbon into CO2 and oxygen with the release of electrical energy. The arrangement allows a conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy bypassing lossy conversion stages, as is the case in conventional coal-fired power plants.
The American William W. Jacques in 1897 was awarded a Canadian patent on such a fuel cell.
Electrochemical processes
The potential difference between anode and cathode is about 0.8 volts ( 1.0 volts in theory ). The electrical efficiency is relatively high, at around 80 percent (see hydrogen fuel cells to about 70 %). In practice, however, lower efficiencies are expected. Due to the higher state of charge of the carbon atom, in contrast to the hydrogen molecule, the particle current density is likely to be about twice that at the anode.
Technical implementation and outlook
A carbon fuel cell is either based on a solid oxide fuel cell ( SOFC) or of a molten carbonate ( MCFC).
The practical implementation of the carbon fuel cell designed currently still difficult, so here is strong is necessary even to basic research in order to also use the principle effectively. An outlook on the actual industrial use can not currently be given. There remains, however keep in mind that in a few decades would be possible due to the progressive development of materials, combined hydrogen -carbon fuel to make it available, with which it would be possible, the chemical energy of hydrocarbons ( eg, gasoline, kerosene, diesel) to walk directly into electrical energy.