Overview
- Chinese scientists led by Xie Heping reported a direct coal fuel cell prototype that generates electricity without combustion.
- The system feeds pretreated coal powder to an anode and supplies oxygen to a cathode across an oxide membrane to produce power.
- The unit captures high‑purity carbon dioxide inside the cell and converts it into synthesis gas or mineralizes it as sodium bicarbonate.
- The team argues that direct electrochemical conversion can surpass the efficiency limits that constrain steam‑turbine coal plants.
- Researchers cite gains in stack scale, durability, and carbon conversion since 2018 and propose deep‑seam use, though the technology remains at a prototype stage requiring larger trials and independent verification.