Fuel Cells Reactor for Chemicals and Electric Energy Cogeneration

Authors

Zhi-lin HENG, Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China;
Xiao-zi YUAN, Energy, Mining and Environment Research Center,National Research Council Canada, 4250 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T1W5, Canada;
Yi-mei YIN, Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China;
Zi-feng MA, Shanghai Electrochemical Energy Devices Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China;Follow

Corresponding Author

Zi-feng MA(zfma@sjtu.edu.cn)

Abstract

As an energy conversion device, fuel cells can efficiently convert chemical energy into electrical energy. With the developing of technology, it is used as a reactor to conduct the synthesis of high value-added chemicals while generating electrical energy. Having benefits such as mild reaction conditions, controllability of the reaction process, high selectivity of the product, as well as high efficiency of energy utilization, it is widely used in many fields such as preparation of high value-added industrial products, gas separation, water treatment, etc. This paper introduces the current trends and statuses of fuel cell reactors in the cogeneration of chemicals and electric energy according to the reduction reaction at the cathode and the oxidation reaction of the anode. The problems related to the fuel cell reactor are described, and possible solutions are discussed in terms of the catalyst research, process research and others. Finally, the research in several new fuel cell reactors is briefly introduced and its development is prospected.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

fuel cell reactor, electric energy, cogeneration, anodic oxidation, cathodic reduction

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.13208/j.electrochem.180857

Publication Date

2018-12-28

Online Available Date

2018-11-22

Revised Date

2018-11-05

Received Date

2018-10-09

Recommended Citation

Zhi-lin HENG, Xiao-zi YUAN, Yi-mei YIN, Zi-feng MA. Fuel Cells Reactor for Chemicals and Electric Energy Cogeneration[J]. Journal of Electrochemistry, 2018 , 24(6): 615-627.
DOI: 10.13208/j.electrochem.180857
Available at: https://jelectrochem.xmu.edu.cn/journal/vol24/iss6/5