Chinese scientists create coal-powered zero-carbon fuel cell

Scientists at Shenzhen University have developed a revolutionary technology called Zero Carbon Emission Coal Fuel Cell, or ZC-DCFC. This invention is important because conventional methods of generating electricity using coal emit a lot of carbon dioxide, which is a major cause of air pollution, but this new technology has the potential to reduce this emission to almost zero.

In this technology, coal is not burned, but is finely ground, dried, given a special pre-treatment and then poured into the anode chamber of the fuel cell. On the other hand, oxygen is supplied to the cathode, which causes the coal to undergo an electrochemical oxidation process through an oxide membrane. The carbon dioxide produced in this entire process is captured within the system and converted into useful chemicals such as syngas. According to scientists, this fuel cell can produce energy with an efficiency of about 40%.

The development comes as countries around the world strive to meet the carbon neutrality target set by the Paris Climate Agreement. If the technology becomes widely available, it could revolutionize the design of thermal power plants.