Review-Bibliometrics and Current Research Trends on Direct Carbon-Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Utilizing Biomass as Fuel

Biomass is considered a viable alternative source of energy after thermochemical conversion techniques and activation methods are adopted for its conversion to biochar and activated carbon, respectively. This work provides the bibliometrics and recent developments on DC-SOFC using biochar as fuel and is further enhanced through the carbon activation method. This study reported the dominant researchers from different countries and their contributions to the development of DC-SOFC. This study provided an overview of the physicochemical characteristics of the biochar and its corresponding effect in the operation of a DC-SOFC in terms of the electrochemical performance when used as fuel. Data reveal that other biomasses can still be pyrolyzed and used as DC-SOFC fuel. This paper includes that among the alternative carbon fuels to date, pomelo peel char has the most efficient and effective biochar fuel for DC-SOFC, which yields the best output in terms of parameters such as peak power density and fuel utilization rate. The activation method, as applied in biochar fuel, is an effective way to enhance the performance of the fuel cell. Prospects and challenges addressing identified gaps for DC-SOFC with high power output operated with biomass as fuel are similarly discussed.