Cell Performance Research Articles

Comparative study of cadmium telluride solar cell performance on different TCO‐coated substrates under concentrated light intensities

AbstractConcentrating photovoltaics is an attractive route for achieving high power output with thin film solar cells, using low‐cost optics. In this work, the performance of CdTe:As thin film solar cells on two different transparent conducting oxide (TCO)‐coated substrates is investigated and compared under varying concentrated light intensities (1–6.3 Suns). Samples tested had CdZnS/CdTe:As devices deposited atop of either a soda‐lime glass with a fluorine‐doped tin oxide TCO or an ultra‐thin glass (UTG) with an aluminium zinc oxide TCO and ZnO high‐resistive transparent (HRT) layer. Device current density was found to increase linearly with increased light intensities, for both sample configurations. Power conversion efficiencies of both device samples decreased with increased light intensity, due to a decrease in fill factor. The fill factor, for both sample configurations, was affected by reducing shunt resistance with increasing illumination intensity. The two device types performed differently at the high illumination intensities due to their series resistance. Light‐soaking devices under 6.3 Suns illumination intensity for 90 min showed no significant performance degradation, indicative of relatively stable devices under the highest illumination intensity tested. Efficiency limiting factors are assessed, evaluated and discussed.

Components and defect density optimization of FAxMA1-xPbI3 based on simulation for high performance perovskite solar cells

Choosing FA+/MA+ mixed-ion perovskite material as the active layer of the perovskite solar cells hold out the prospect of high efficiency and high stability. In this paper, the FA+/MA + ratio is modified to optimize the performance of FAxMA1-xPbI3-based perovskite solar cells utilizing SCAPS-1D. The results indicate that the PCE of the devices reached a minimum of 21 % when x is greater than or equal to 0.6 in FAxMA1-xPbI3(FTO/NiOx/FAxMA1-xPbI3/C60/BCP/Al). When x = 0.6, the impact of the bottom interface defects on the solar cell performance is dominant and the thickness of the active layer should be controlled within a range of 0.4 μm–0.8 μm, while the defect density of the layer is expected to be between 1013 1/cm3 and 1014 1/cm3. By optimizing the perovskite layer thickness, defect density and changing the type of back electrode material, the efficiency is reaching 25.74 % based on the device(FTO/NiOx/FA6MA4PbI3/C60/BCP/Au). This study provides theoretical guidance for experimental research on interface modification, defect passivation and manufacturing of high-efficiency FAxMA1-xPbI3-based perovskite solar cells.

Investigation of impact of kesterites as hole transport layer on (FA)2BiCuI6 based ecofriendly double perovskite solar cell to obtain optimized PCE above 25%

This paper presents a detailed study of double perovskite (FA)2BiCuI6 based perovskite solar cells(PSC) using different kesterites as hole transport layers (HTL) and titanium-based electron transport layers (ETL). The designed double perovskite PSC utilized TiO2 as an ETL, different kesterite materials (CZTSe, CFTS, CBTS, CMTS, CNTS and CZTS) as the HTL, double perovskite material (FA)2BiCuI6 as the perovskite absorption layer (PAL), Indium tin oxide (ITO) as top electrode and Au as an anode. The different parameters of architecture (ITO/TiO2/(FA)2BiCuI6/HTL/Au) is improved via the SCAPS-1D simulator by first optimizing thickness and then the defect density of PAL. Energy band matching of the different layers with (FA)2BiCuI6 is thoroughly investigated in order to understand its operation. AM 1.5G illumination is used as input light source. To obtain optimum performance of (FA)2BiCuI6 based PSC the effects of optical thickness, defect density, temperature, series resistance, and shunt resistance are monitored. Among all the kesterites, CNTS based PSC performed extraordinarily well with PCE of 26.09 %. JSC 22.64 mA/cm2, VOC 1.38 V, FF 83.33 %, and The variables influencing solar cell performance are clarified by simulations. The findings presented in this work will aid researchers in the production of ecofriendly solar cells with great efficiency

Scaffold Infiltrated Cathodes for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

Lowering the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and electrolysis cells (SOECs) to reduce system cost and increase lifetime is the key to widely deploy this highly efficient energy technology, but the high cathode polarization losses at low temperatures limit overall cell performance. Here we demonstrate that by engineering a universal ceria-based scaffold with infiltrated nanoscale electrocatalysts, a low cathode polarization <0.25 Ω·cm2 with remarkably high performance 1 W/cm2 at 550 °C is achieved. The combination of low processing and operating temperature restrains the nanosized electrocatalysts, not only allowing fast oxygen transport but also providing an essential electronically connective network to facilitate electrochemical reactions without requiring the high-temperature processing of a separate cathode layer. Moreover, excellent SOFC durability was demonstrated for over 500 h. This work shows a promising pathway to reduce processing/system costs with all scalable ceramic processing techniques for the future development of low-temperature SOFCs and SOECs.

Comprehensive device modeling and a performance analysis of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells through light management

Currently, researchers are paying much attention to perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells due to their great potential to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit of single silicon solar cells. In order to improve the performance of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, various techniques have been employed, including selecting textured structures or optimizing the film thickness in the top perovskite cells. However, despite these efforts, significant losses due to surface reflection and unbalanced light absorption still exist, and the accurate predictions combining both optical and electric calculations towards obtaining higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) are still lacking. In this study, we integrated optical and electrical numerical simulations to precisely investigate the effectiveness of using a pyramidal perovskite (MAPbI3) nanostructured film as an example in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells to reduce the reflective losses and balance the current densities. Through our calculations, the PCE of tandem solar cells can be improved from 23.1% (the planar structures without texturing) to 29.3% in the best-performing textured tandem devices (with a period of 300 nm and peak-to-valley height of 300 nm) under the consistently calculated absorbed and EQE spectrum. Direct comparisons between calculated results and experimental data could also reveal the influence ascribed to a detailed factor that hinders the PCE improvement. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights for the advancement and optimization of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.

Parametric Study of a Large Active Area PEM Fuel Cell using a MatLab-Simulink Model

A Matlab-Simulink based mathematical model and simulation method is developed by applying appropriate physics and electro-chemistry that adequately describes a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system. The mathematical model is then simulated for a single low temperature PEMFC with a large, 350cm2, active area. The single cell’s performance was evaluated using different operating conditions and varying values of various crucial system parameters. The Matlab-Simulink model presented in this investigation is used to study various parameters’ effect such as the cell temperature from 50℃ to 90℃, inlet pressure, relative humidity (RH) from 70% to 90%, and the reactant stoichiometry ratio, on the cell performance. Comparison of polarization and power density curves were conducted between the model simulation and experimental data at 60℃ and at 65℃. Except for the higher current densities range (≥1.6 A/cm2), the simulation results match with the experimental results very well. The parametric study was used to determine the optimum value of various parameters. The fuel cell performance with the optimized parameter values show a good improvement using the developed MatLab-Simulink model.

Thermal performance analysis of a lithium-ion cell using the novel fins and the phase change material

The battery thermal management system (BTMS) plays a key role in keeping the electric vehicle battery temperature within thermal safety limits. A poorly designed BTMS may reduce the operational life of the battery. The present work aims to maintain the battery temperature below the threshold limit using the triangular and elliptical-shaped novel fins and the phase change material (PCM). Multiple arrays of these fins were fitted along the cell height in the annulus space between the cell sleeve and the casing such that the tip of the fins touches the casing. The individual and the combined performance of the fins and the PCM was assessed through temperature measurements using the thermocouples and the thermal camera at various power inputs of 30, 50 and 70 W. At 70 W, the cell operation was extended by a maximum of 250 %, 270 % and 280 % for the cell with PCM, with PCM and triangular fins and PCM with elliptical fins, respectively. The lowest extension in cell operation by 10 % was observed for the triangular fins alone at 70 W. This demonstrates the significant influence of the PCM on the cell performance. The temperature contours using the thermal camera showed that for all power settings, the peak temperature occurs at the cell center. The present studies demonstrate a significant potential for BTMS application in the combined system of elliptical fins with PCM.

Mechanical Properties, Drug Release, Biocompatibility, and Antibacterial Activities of Modified Emulsified Gelatin Microsphere Loaded with Gentamicin Composite Calcium Phosphate Bone Cement In Vitro.

Bone defects are commonly addressed with bone graft substitutes; however, surgical procedures, particularly for open and complex fractures, may pose a risk of infection. As such, a course of antibiotics combined with a drug carrier is often administered to mitigate potential exacerbations. This study involved the preparation and modification of emulsified (Em) crosslinking-gelatin (gel) microspheres (m-Em) to reduce their toxicity. The antibiotic gentamicin was impregnated into gel microspheres (m-EmG), which were incorporated into calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC). The study investigated the effects of m-EmG@CPC on antibacterial activity, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and proliferation and mineralization of mouse progenitor osteoblasts (D1 cells). The average size of the gel microspheres ranged from 22.5 to 16.1 μm, with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Most of the oil content within the microspheres was transferred through modification, resulting in reduced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, antibiotic-impregnated m-EmG did not compromise the intrinsic properties of the microspheres and exhibited remarkably antibacterial effects. After combining with CPC (m-EmG@CPC), the microspheres did not significantly hinder the CPC reaction and produced the main product, hydroxyapatite (HA). However, the compressive strength of the largest microsphere content of 0.5 wt.% m-EmG in CPC decreased significantly from 59.8 MPa of CPC alone to 38.7 MPa of 0.5m-EmG@CPC (p < 0.05). The 0.5m-EmG@CPC composite was effective against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in drug release and antibacterial tests. Compared with m-EmG alone, the 0.5m-EmG@CPC composite showed no toxicity to mouse fibroblast cells (L929). Additionally, the proliferation and mineralization of mouse osteoblastic osteoprogenitor cells (D1 cells) did not have a negative impact on the 0.5m-EmG@CPC composite over time in culture compared with CPC alone. Results suggest that the newly developed antibacterial 0.5m-EmG@CPC composite bone cement did not negatively affect the performance of osteoprogenitor cells and could be a new option for bone graft replacement in surgeries.

Exploration HTL-Free all inorganic mixed halide perovskite solar cells: effects of 4-ADPA passivation

The incredible PV performance of thin-film perovskite solar cells has garnered the attention of researchers. Mixed halide perovskite outweighs pure halide perovskite in its ability to optimize PV performance while performing material composition engineering. All inorganic mixed halide (AIMH) perovskite CsPbI2Br has shown stable performance against thermal variations. This study mainly highlights the performance of HTL (Hole transport layer) free, passivated solar cell structure with utilization of the SCAPS-1D simulator. The inclusion of passivation layer 4-ADPA(4-aminodiphenylamine) between active layer CsPbI2Br and the end electrode mitigates the occurrence of charge carrier recombination. The thickness of passivation layer 4-ADPA is optimized for the range 100 nm–1000 nm, and 100 nm is decided as the optimum width based on the evaluated PV performance of SnO2/CsPbI2Br/4-ADPA/anode. 4-ADPA layer with an optimum thickness of 100 nm, is embedded with a CsPbI2Br layer, and the performance of solar cell has been investigated under the collective impact of BDD (bulk defect density)/thickness of CsPbI2Br for the range (1012 cm−3 to 1018 cm−3)/(50 nm to 500 nm) respectively. Further, this study investigated the capacitance–voltage (C-V), Mott—Schottky (1/C2), and Nyquist plot (C-F) performance of solar cells under the influence of only BDD for two cell configurations (corresponding to maximum and minimum delivered PCE i.e., thickness/BDD is 200 nm/1012 cm−3 and 500 nm/1018 cm−3 respectively). The highest 13.27% of PCE is extracted from HTL-free, 4-ADPA passivated all inorganic PSC, at 200 nm/1012 cm−3 of thickness/BDD respectively. This technique encourages researchers to explore more cost-effective, HTL-free passivated solar cell structures.

Effect of capping rate on the performance of InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cell

The GaAs capping layer significantly influences the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of the InAs quantum dot (QD). The capping rate modifies the essential parameters, such as size, shape, and composition, that determine the optical properties of the QDs. In this work, we present a theoretical model to study the effects of the capping rate on the absorption spectra of InAs dots embedded in the GaAs capping layer. The proposed model can be used for optimizing the structural and optical characteristics of InAs/GaAs QDs without using an annealing procedure or any capping material other than GaAs. In addition, the impact of three different GaAs capping layer growth rates on the performance of quantum dot solar cells is evaluated.

Lithiating cathodes for Li-S batteries: Regulating Li2S electrodeposition to enhance sulfur utilization

The passivation of the cathode substrate by Li2S during discharge is particularly pronounced in conditions such as high S content, crucial for practical Li-S batteries. Yet, actively regulating this phenomenon through cathode substrate exploration remains a challenging task. This study unveils that Li-intercalating oxides like Nb2O5, which undergo lithiation at discharge potentials, can induce passivation-free 3D Li2S growth, while oxides such as WO3 and MoO2, which do not undergo lithiation at discharge potentials, exhibit 2D growth. Specifically, during discharge, the electrodeposition of Li2S kinetically inhibits lithiation, prompting lithiation from Li2S instead of from the electrolyte Li salt; this process leads to the bulk diffusion of dissociated S2− and its 3D deposition. Utilizing a CNT cathode substrate incorporating lithiating oxides, we achieve high S utilization and high cell performance under conditions of high S loading with a lean electrolyte. This includes a discharge capacity of 1620 mAh g−1 at 0.03 C, equivalent to 97 % S utilization, and substantial capacities of 11.0 mAh cm−2 and 6.40 mAh cm−2 under high sulfur loadings of 14 mg cm−2 and a lean electrolyte of E/S = 5, respectively.

Instrumentation of novel optical sensor technology to detect the real-time electrolyte colour change in Li-on pouch cells

The need for new and improved diagnostic tools becomes paramount for Li-ion batteries in order to ensure their optimum performance along with their longevity and safety and there remain aspirational targets for Li-ion batteries regarding fast-charging, energy density, safety and lifetime that must be met to achieve further growth. The study of degradation mechanisms (such as electrolyte degradation, thermal runaway, gassing and cycling aging) at the cell level contributes significantly to the understanding of the aging phenomena and will enable improvements for future generations of LIBs. Among various indicators, the colour change of the electrolyte within Li-ion cells presents a largely unexplored avenue for assessing state of health and predicting early signs of degradation. This research proposes a new methodology for the development of an innovative optical sensor technology and its incorporation into a pouch cell. The sensor comprises of a photodiode and RGB LED, mounted on a single flexible PCB, capable of the real-time detection of electrolyte colour changes inside Li-ion pouch cells. Previous studies have identified electrolyte colour change as a potential marker for battery condition through various invasive testing methods; however, the proposed optical technique represents a step change in in-situ real-time diagnostics. This study elaborates on the process of developing and incorporating the sensors precisely into pouch cells and seeks to demonstrate the capability of these sensors to accurately detect alterations in the colour of the electrolyte as the cell ages, without having adverse effects on the cell's performance and offers the potential for direct correlation of electrolyte change with battery state of health.

Tailoring Energy Structure of Low‐toxic Ternary Ag–Bi–S Quantum Dots through Solution‐phase Synthesis for Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Low‐toxic multinary semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) showing a photoresponse in a wide range from visible to near‐IR have been intensively investigated for fabricating efficient solar light conversion systems. Recently, AgBiS2 QDs have attracted much attention to improve the performance of QD solar cells because they have a large absorption coefficient in visible and near‐IR. In this report, we describe the solution‐phase preparation of ternary Ag‐Bi‐S QDs with different sizes and with different Ag/Bi ratios. The average size of resulting spherical Ag‐Bi‐S QDs was controllable from 2.7 to 8.1 nm by adjusting the reaction temperature from 373 to 473 K, while the Ag fraction of obtained QDs also increased with an increase in the particle size. The absorption onset wavelength shifted from 850 to 1200 nm in the near‐IR region as the particle size increased. AgBiS2 QDs with almost the stoichiometric composition, obtained at the reaction temperatures of 423 and 473 K, contained no deep intragap states and exhibited a p‐type semiconductor behavior. Sensitized solar cells fabricated with stoichiometric AgBiS2 QDs exhibited a relatively high photoresponse in the visible and near‐IR regions, the optimal PCE being 0.74% with AgBiS2 QDs of 6.2 nm in diameter that were prepared at 423 K.

Comprehensive investigation of material properties and operational parameters for enhancing performance and stability of FASnI3-based perovskite solar cells

Recent advancements in the efficiency of lead-based halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), exceeding 25%, have raised concerns about their toxicity and suitability for mass commercialization. As a result, tin-based PSCs have emerged as attractive alternatives. Among diverse types of tin-based PSCs, organic–inorganic metal halide materials, particularly FASnI3 stands out for high efficiency, remarkable stability, low-cost, and straightforward solution-based fabrication process. In this work, we modelled the performance of FASnI3 PSCs with four different hole transporting materials (Spiro-OMeTAD, Cu2O, CuI, and CuSCN) using SCAPS-1D program. Compared to the initial structure of Ag/Spiro-OMeTAD/FASnI3/TiO2/FTO, analysis on current–voltage and quantum efficiency characteristics identified Cu2O as an ideal hole transport material. Optimizing device output involved exploring the thickness of the FASnI3 layer, defect density states, light reflection/transmission at the back and front metal contacts, effects of metal work function, and operational temperature. Maximum performance and high stability have been achieved, where an open-circuit voltage of 1.16 V, and a high short-circuit current density of 31.70 mA/cm2 were obtained. Further study on charge carriers capture cross-section demonstrated a PCE of 32.47% and FF of 88.53% at a selected capture cross-section of electrons and holes of 1022 cm2. This work aims to guide researchers for building and manufacturing perovskite solar cells that are more stable with moderate thickness, more effective, and economically feasible.

Role of Graphene-Silver Nanocomposite as Anode to Boost Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Performance

Role of Graphene-Silver Nanocomposite as Anode to Boost Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Performance

Effects of concentrated CO2 on the performance of a PBI/H3PO4 high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell

In this study, the impact of mimic reformate of formic acid decomposition on the anode polarization of HT-PEMFC is investigated under various operating conditions of the anode, including different concentrations of CO2, N2, CO, and humidification. Polarization curve and EIS measurements indicate that there is no significant difference (less than 5 mV when i < 0.4A/cm2) between the same concentrations of CO2 and N2 up to 75 vol%. No significant poisoning of the anode by CO2 (up to 75 vol%) has been observed, suggesting that the addition of concentrated CO2 acts more as a diluent than a poison. Upon separating the polarization effects, it is found that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a crucial step limiting the fuel cell performance, with cathodic activation losses reaching as high as 70 % at 0.8A/cm2. However, with 1 vol% CO in a H2/CO2 1/1 mixture, a significant poisoning effect on the fuel cell is observed. DRT (distribution of relaxation times) analyses reveal two peaks related to CO in high-frequency regions above 100 Hz associated with the anode polarization, with the peak integration being five times larger than in pure hydrogen. Humidification doesn't improve the voltage or mitigate CO poisoning. A one-dimensional flux model that includes the anode polarization is developed to analyze the polarizations for both cathode and anode under different concentrations of diluents, well describing the experimental results. When i < 0.8 A/cm2, the predicted values from the model closely match the measured values (within 5–10 mV). Calculations suggest that the anode polarization cannot be ignored, especially when the anode is fed with diluted gases.

Research on the Performance of Fmoc-amino Acid Passivated Peroverskite Solar Cells

This study investigates the effect of surface passivation of chalcogenide solar cells by introducing Fmoc-Gly-OH amino acids. The results show that the moderate amount of Fmoc-Gly-OH modification can significantly improve the photovoltaic performance and stability of chalcogenide solar cells. With the increase of Fmoc-Gly-OH concentration, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency firstly increases and then decreases, and the best effect is reached when the concentration is 1.0 mg/ml.XRD and SEM analyses show that the crystal structure of the Fmoc-Gly-OH modified chalcocite thin films is more regular, and the defect density is obviously reduced.XPS analysis shows that the Fmoc-Gly-OH modification is able to reduce the defect state density of the chalcogenide layer. The reduction of defects was further verified by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. In addition, the electrochemical impedance spectra and dark-state I-V curve results of the devices showed that the Fmoc-Gly-OH modification was able to reduce the non-radiative complexation and charge transport resistance, and increase the fill factor and open-circuit voltage. Finally, the effectiveness of Fmoc-Gly-OH surface passivation in enhancing the performance of chalcogenide solar cells was confirmed by the analysis of J-V curves and box plots. This study provides new ideas and methods for surface engineering of chalcogenide solar cells, which has some practical application prospects.

The impact of a ZnO space layer on enhancing the efficiency of P3HT: PCBM blend-based organic solar cells

The performance of Organic Solar Cells (OSCs) based on a composite photoactive of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and 6,6-phenylC61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the donor and acceptor electrons, respectively, is examined in this paper through a simulation study. Optical Zinc oxide (ZnO) spacers between the active layer and the Aluminum (Al) cathode contact layer, serving as a hole transport layer (HTL), are compared to the usual configuration without a ZnO spacer in the second device construction. With and without the ZnO optical spacer, we calculate the electric field intensities and generation rates (G) for a range of incident wavelengths. Under AM 1.5 G at 100 mW cm−2 illumination and in the dark, the short-circuit current density (Jsc) is improved by up to 9.47% after adding the ZnO layer as an optical spacer. In addition, there is a gain of up to 11.42% in external quantum efficiency (EQE). Furthermore, the ZnO spacer layer device has a markedly higher incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE), going from 77% in the control device (without ZnO) to 90% with ZnO spacer layer. The numerical simulation results based on the finite element method (FEM) are consistent with the published experimental data.

Unraveling the Influence of Nafion Content on the Performance of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells from the Perspective of Triple-Phase Boundary.

By combining molecular simulations and experimental measurements, the effect of the Nafion content on the performance of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is explained from the perspective of the triple-phase boundary (TPB). The evaporation process of Nafion solvent is simulated on a triple-phase model to mimic the formation of the TPB, and the influence of the Nafion content on the TPB structure is investigated. When the Nafion content is 1.415 mg/m2, the coverages of Nafion on both Pt particles and the carbon carrier are saturated at 42.1% and 32.7%, respectively. With the increase of Nafion content, the amount of water molecules around Pt particles is increased, and the surrounding O2 content is decreased. The experimental PEMFC performance has confirmed such simulation results, which demonstrates a trend of enhancing first and then weakening with the increase of Nafion content and reaches a maximum with the Nafion content of 2.96 mg/m2. Therefore, the correlation between the structure of the TPB and the cell's efficiency has been established at a molecular level, enabling enhancements in the design of the TPB morphology and an increase in PEMFC efficiency.

Investigating the Effects of the Physicochemical Properties of Cellulose-Derived Biocarbon on Direct Carbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance.

This paper presents a study of the characteristic effects of the physicochemical properties of microcrystalline cellulose and a series of biocarbon samples produced from this raw material through thermal conversion at temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 850 °C. Structural studies revealed that the biocarbon samples produced from cellulose had a relatively low degree of graphitization of the carbon and an isometric shape of the carbon particles. Based on thermal investigations using the differential thermal analysis/differential scanning calorimeter method, obtaining fully formed biocarbon samples from cellulose feedstock was possible at about 400 °C. The highest direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell (DC-SOFC) performance was found for biochar samples obtained via thermal treatment at 400-600 °C. The pyrolytic gases from cellulose decomposition had a considerable impact on the achieved current density and power density of the DC-SOFCs supplied by pure cellulose samples or biochars derived from cellulose feedstock at a lower temperature range of 200-400 °C. For the DC-SOFCs supplied by biochars synthesised at higher temperatures of 600-850 °C, the "shuttle delivery mechanism" had a substantial effect. The impact of the carbon oxide concentration in the anode or carbon bed was important for the performance of the DC-SOFCs. Carbon oxide oxidised at the anode to form carbon dioxide, which interacted with the carbon bed to form more carbon oxide. The application of biochar obtained from cellulose alone without an additional catalyst led to moderate electrochemical power output from the DC-SOFCs. The results show that catalysts for the reverse Boudouard reactions occurring in a biocarbon bed are critical to ensuring high performance and stable operation under electrical load, which is crucial for DC-SOFC development.