Recent progress in direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell: Advanced anode catalysts, diversified carbon fuels, and heat management

Direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells (DC-SOFCs) are promising energy-conversion devices that can directly convert the chemical energy of carbon into electricity with high efficiency and low pollution. The efficient and durable operation of DC-SOFCs is maintained by the effective coupling of electrochemical oxidation in the anode and the reverse Boudouard reaction in the carbon fuel. In this paper, we review recent advances in material design, fuel development, and heat management for improving the electrochemical output and conversion efficiency of DC-SOFCs. First, developments in state-of-the-art anode materials for the electrochemical oxidation of carbon are briefly reviewed. Second, various kinds of carbon fuels and catalysts for carbon gasification are outlined. Third, we introduce the present status of heat management in DC-SOFC systems. Finally, some conclusions involving challenges in DC-SOFCs and perspectives on them are systematically summarized.