A direct carbon fuel cell with a CuO-ZnO-SDC composite anode

A direct carbon fuel cell with a copper oxide-zinc oxide-Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-x (CuO-ZnO-SDC) composite anode was demonstrated. Nano-sized SDC and CuO-ZnO were synthesized by utilizing a co-precipitation process and a solid state reaction, respectively. As-prepared materials were characterized by various techniques, and then used to fabricate single cells by a co-press and co-sintering method. Finally, a button cell was tested with a mixture of carbon black and ternary (Li, Na, and K) eutectic carbonates as the anode fuel. The inert environment of the anode compartment was protected by pure N-2 or a mixture of N-2 & CO2. A maximum power density of 130 mW cm(-2) was achieved using the mixture of N-2 & CO2 as the anode gas at 700 degrees C. The results indicate that CuO-ZnO can be used as a nickel-free anode material for direct carbon fuel cells. Also, the modified anode gas of a N-2 & CO2 mixture can enhance the performance of direct carbon fuel cells with a CuO-ZnO-SDC composite anode.