Performance Evaluation of Chicken Litters Biochar in Direct Carbon Fuel Cell

Abstract

As fossil fuels (a non-renewable energy resource) dominate the world's electrical power generation, we are not only exposed to inadequate energy at a high cost but we are also exposed to high exhaust emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Therefore, exploring alternative renewable energy sources that are more reliable, cheaper, and less reliant on fossil fuels has become imperative. Through electrochemical reactions, direct carbon fuel cells (DCFC) convert carbon from a wide range of carbon-rich biomass, including biochar derived from animal waste, into electricity. Therefore, this study explores the possibility of generating electricity from a biomass-classified waste known as chicken litter. Chicken litters were pyrolyzed at 750°C, yielding 46wt.% biochar, before tests were conducted on proximate and ultimate weights and calorific values. The average moisture content obtained was 4.26wt.%, volatile matter was 21.90wt.%, and fixed carbon was 61.51 wt.%, with an average calorific value of 28.79 MJ/kg and a carbon value of 57.501wt.%. When operated within a temperature range of 300 to 700°C, it produced an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) peak of 1.18 Volt at 600°C. The results of this study demonstrate that solid carbon sourced from chicken litter can be converted directly in a single step using DCFCs.