Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a direct coal fuel cell that generates electricity through an electrochemical process instead of combustion. By avoiding the traditional steam turbine cycle, the system aims for higher efficiency and captures carbon dioxide on site to be converted into chemical feedstocks. The technology could potentially be deployed in situ within deep coal seams, generating power underground and transmitting electricity to the surface. This approach aims to reduce the environmental impact of mining and transportation while utilizing existing fossil resources with a closed loop carbon system.
