Preparation of Bamboo-Based Activated Carbon and Its Application in Direct Carbon Fuel Cells

A biomass-based activated carbon, utilized for direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs), is prepared from bamboo scraps under different activation temperatures, activation times, and impregnation ratios. The K 2 CO 3 is employed as the activating agent, while the activated carbon is treated in HNO 3 solution for the purpose of surface modification and ash removal. The applicability of the prepared activated carbon for DCFCs is evaluated by a fluidized bed electrode direct carbon fuel cell anode. It is found that the BET surface area of the activated carbon could reach 1264 m 2 g –1 under the following conditions: activation temperature, 1173 K; activation time, 2 h; impregnation ratio, 1. The content and diversity of the surface oxygen functional groups of the activated carbon could be well improved through the HNO 3 treatment, and the ash content is notably reduced. Differently, the BET surface area is slightly reduced while the electrical resistivity is remarkably increased. The optimal HNO 3 solution concentration is estimated to be 2 mol L –1, giving the treated bamboo-based activated carbon outstanding polarization performance among the tested carbon fuels.