Fabrication of efficient composite anode based on SiC for direct carbon fuel cell

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2025-03, Vol.333, p.130379, Article 130379
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Bilal, Ali, Amjad, Mazhar, Bilal, Ahmad, Muhammad, Majeed, Mubushar, Raza, Rizwan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite anode; Crystal structure; Particle size; Porous structure; Power density; Sesame husk carbon fuel
• ISSN: 0254-0584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2025.130379

The composite anode material SiC–CdZnO (silicon carbide-cadmium doped zinc oxide) has been synthesized through a solid-state method for intermediate-temperature direct carbon fuel cells. X-ray diffraction has shown the cubic structure of SiC, whereas CdZnO was found to be hexagonal wurtzite. The scanning electron microscopy revealed sharp edges and spherical structures of SiC and CdZnO particles respectively. The composite anodes revealed that both types of particles are present in the powder. The composite anode has a porous structure, these pores are responsible for ions and mass transport. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results explored the existence of various functional groups. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed a red shift in the band gap with increasing the concentration of SiC in CdZnO. The maximum electrical conductivity of 6.57 Scm−1 was measured for SiC–CdZnO (0.4:1.6) at 600 °C in the air atmosphere. The coin cell of the prepared anode SiC–CdZnO (0.4:1.6) showed a power density of 57 mWcm−2 at 650 °C with Sesame Husk carbon fuel. The results indicate that SiC–CdZnO is a composite nickel-free anode material for intermediate direct carbon fuel cells. •Two-step preparation of SiC–CdZnO composite anode material for fuel cells.•The maximum electrical conductivity of 6.57 Scm−1 in the oxygen environment.•XRD and SEM were used to study the structural and microstructural properties.•The maximum 57 mWcm−2 power density was achieved at 650 °C with activated carbon fuel.