Direct lignin fuel cell for power generation

• Lignin, the second most abundant component after cellulose in biomass, has been examined in this study as a fuel for a direct conversion into electricity using direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC). Two different types of industrial lignins were investigated: lignosulphonate (LS) and kraft lignin (KL), either directly in their commercial forms, after their blending with commercial active carbon (AC) or after alternation of their structures by a pH adjustment to pH 10. It has been found that the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the DCFC could reach around 0.7 V in most of the trials. Addition of active carbon increased the maximum current density from 43∼57 to 85∼101 mA/cm 2. The pH adjustment not only increased the maximum current density but also reduced the differences between the two types of lignins, resulting in an OCV of 0.680-0.699 V and a maximum current density of 74∼79 mA/cm 2 from both lignins. Typical power density was 12 (for KL +AC) and 24 mW cm -2 (for LS +AC). It has been concluded that a direct lignin fuel cell is feasible and the lignin hydrophilicity is critical for the cell performance.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik -- Pappers-, massa- och fiberteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering -- Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Direct carbon fuel cell

Direct lignin fuel cell

Kraft lignin

Lignosulphonate

Active carbon

Cell performance

Direct carbon fuel cells

Direct conversion

Maximum current density

PH adjustment

Power densities

Blending

Carbon fibers

Current density

Electric power generation

Fuel cells

Lignin

Open circuit voltage

pH

Wood

Alkali Lignins

Carbon

Electric Power

Lignins

Mixing

Power Generation

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