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Streszczenie:
Molten carbonate electrolysis (MCE) is a promising high-temperature route to upgrade CO2-rich biogas into a higher heating value fuel while enabling CO2 separation and utilization. This paper proposes and experimentally evaluates a biogas upgrading concept based on a three-cell MCE stack operated on synthetic biogas mixtures. The stack is fed with CH4/CO2/H2O at the cathode and air at the anode and powered by external electricity, representative of surplus renewable power. Electrochemical performance is assessed through current-voltage characteristics and steady-state operation at selected current densities, while product-gas compositions are quantified by gas chromatography. The results demonstrate stable stack operation on biogas-type feeds and show that MCE can simultaneously remove CO2 and enrich the cathodic stream in H2 (and CO), thereby increasing the lower heating value compared with the raw biogas. From the measured data, key process indicators such as CO2 removal degree, gas upgrading factor, and specific electrical energy consumption are derived and discussed. The study establishes molten carbonate electrolysis as a viable and flexible option for biogas upgrading and valorization, particularly in systems coupled to intermittent renewable electricity. Unlike conventional separation-based routes (water scrubbing, PSA, membranes) that vent the captured CO2, or SOE-based power-to-methane systems that require a separate methanation reactor, MCE simultaneously removes CO2 and generates H2/CO within a single high-temperature unit. The present results provide the first experimental evidence that a multi-cell MCE stack can serve as a viable and load-flexible pathway for biogas upgrading and valorization, particularly when coupled with intermittent renewable electricity.

Słowa kluczowe:
Molten carbonate electrolysis, Biogas upgrading, CO2 separation, High-temperature electrochemical conversion, Syngas and hydrogen enrichment

Streszczenie:
This paper critically evaluates the current state-of-the-art material, LiAlO2, used in the matrices of molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) and explores alternative material solutions to extend their operational lifetime and efficiency. Despite its prevalent use due to high stability and corrosion resistance, LiAlO2 fails to meet the long-term operational demands of MCFCs. This study extends the discourse beyond the conventional LiAlO2/K2CO3: Li2CO3 system, proposing optimizations in matrix structures through the integration of various material-matrix solutions. We delve into the fundamental aspects influencing matrix strength, including particle size, surface tension, and thermal expansion coefficients, to understand their impact on the mechanical integrity and functionality of the matrix in highly corrosive environments. Theoretical insights and experimental validations are presented to support the feasibility of alternative materials in enhancing MCFC performance. This paper not only contributes to the material science field by addressing the limitations of current MCFC technologies but also opens new avenues for the development of more robust and efficient fuel cell systems.

Słowa kluczowe:
Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), LiAlO2 matrix, Material optimization, Surface tension, Thermal expansion coefficients, Mechanical strength

Streszczenie:
Considerable efforts have been made in recent years to assess the mechanical strength of the matrix in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), however most studies have been limited to room-temperature testing. This paper introduces methodologies for measuring the compressive strength of the matrix at operational temperatures of 650 °C. The investigation focuses on the fundamental properties of matrices made from different ceramic powders, such as lithium aluminide, aluminium oxide, and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which have various powder morphologies. The experimental results were combined with theoretical predictions derived from the classical Young–Laplace law to quantify capillary forces. The findings demonstrate the significant influence of carbonates on the mechanical integrity of the matrix and suggest that structural damage predominantly occurs during assembly or startup of the MCFC. The results show that the morphology of the powder, including particle size and shape, are the key factors reflecting in the final stress-strain response of the matrix. This approach highlights the objective of the present work, which was to integrate the pressureless infiltration of the fabricated porous ceramic pellets with a eutectic carbonate mixture of Li2/K2CO3 and the uniaxial compression at an operating temperature of 650 °C, thereby mimicking the operational conditions of an MCFC.

Słowa kluczowe:
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC), Ceramic matrices, Compressive strength, Capillary forces

Streszczenie:
The electrochemical performance of cobalt-based supercapacitor electrodes is often limited by the relatively smooth surface of pristine nickel foam substrates. To overcome this limitation, a microstructurally engineered nickel foam scaffold was fabricated by introducing a porous nickel microparticle interlayer via screen printing. Cobalt nanostructures were hydrothermally grown on the modified substrate, forming a hierarchical electrode (Co@NF-M), which was systematically compared with electrodes prepared on commercial nickel foam (Co@NF). Structural and spectroscopic analyses supported the formation of predominantly crystalline spinel Co3O4, characterized by mixed Co2 + /Co3+ oxidation states. Morphological analysis further demonstrated a porous cobalt nanostructure anchored onto a roughened nickel scaffold, providing abundant active sites and facilitating electrolyte penetration and ion diffusion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated a reduced charge-transfer resistance and improved electron transport compared to the conventional Co@NF electrode. As a result, the Co@NF-M electrode exhibited superior electrochemical performance, delivering specific capacitances of 1278, 1184, 1003, and 602 F g−1 at 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 A g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the symmetric Co@NF-M//Co@NF-M device retained 95% of its initial capacitance after 3000 cycles, demonstrating excellent cycling stability. The enhanced performance is attributed to the engineered nickel scaffold, which promotes more uniform cobalt growth and improves interfacial contact while facilitating electron and ion transport.

Słowa kluczowe:
Cobalt oxide, Symmetric supercapacitor, Cycling stability, Tailored Nickel foam, Pseudocapacitor behavior