Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a direct coal fuel cell (ZC-DCFC) that avoids traditional combustion. The system uses electrochemical oxidation to generate power, capturing carbon dioxide within the cell to be used as chemical feedstock. This technology aims to increase efficiency up to 40 percent by removing the need for steam turbines. The scientists suggest this could allow for power generation directly from deep geological coal reserves while minimizing atmospheric emissions.
