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 direct conversion into electricity using direct carbon fuel cells (DCFC). Two different types of industrial lignins were investigated: Lignosulfonate (LS) and Kraft lignin (KL), in their commercial forms, after their blending with commercial active carbon (AC) or after alteration of their structures by a pH adjustment to pH 10. It was 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 83-101 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 0.68-0.69 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 is concluded that a direct lignin fuel cell is feasible and the lignin hydrophilicity is critical for the cell performance.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Annan kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Other Chemistry Topics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Direct Conversion

Carbon Fuels

Electrolyte

Biomass

Electricity

Pyrolysis

Chemistry

Kinetics

Nmr

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)