https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/10101 Tue, 12 May 2026 01:02:48 GMT 2026-05-12T01:02:48Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/27748 Review of molten carbonate-based direct carbon fuel cells Cui, Can; Li, Shuangbin; Gong, Junyi; Wei, Keyan; Hou, Xiangjun; Jiang, Cairong; Yao, Yali; Ma, Jianjun Abstract Direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) is a promising technology with high energy efficiency and abundant fuel. To date, a variety of DCFC configurations have been investigated, with molten hydroxide, molten carbonate or oxides being used as the electrolyte. Recently, there has been particular interest in DCFC with molten carbonate involved. The molten carbonate is either an electrolyte or a catalyst in different cell structures. In this review, we consider carbonate as the clue to discuss the function of carbonate in DCFCs, and start the paper by outlining the developments in terms of molten carbonate (MC)-based DCFC and its electrochemical oxidation processes. Thereafter, the composite electrolyte merging solid carbonate and mixed ionic–electronic conductors (MIEC) are discussed. Hybrid DCFC (HDCFCs ) combining molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) are also touched on. The primary function of carbonate (i.e., facilitating ion transfer and expanding the triple-phase boundaries) in these systems, is then discussed in detail. Finally, some issues are identified and a future outlook outlined, including a corrosion attack of cell components, reactions using inorganic salt from fuel ash, and wetting with carbon fuels. Fri, 02 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/27748 2021-07-02T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/24858 Prospects and State-of-the-Art of Carbon Nanotube Membranes in Desalination Processes Gumbi, Nozipho N.; Tshabalala, Tumelo G.; Mhlanga, Sabelo D.; Mamba, Bhekie B; Schäfer, Andrea I.; Nxumalo, Edward N. This chapter presents an overview of the manufacture, physicochemical properties, and effective application of carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes in desalination technologies. A comprehensive discussion on the current knowledge pertinent to CNT exploitation in desalination is made. It is demonstrated that considerable efforts have been made in the past decade toward the development of membranes incorporating nanocarbons, in particular CNTs, for desalination processes. Primary attention has been paid to the basic properties of CNT polymer mixed matrix and vertically aligned CNT membranes. It is shown that solution transport properties and desirable chemical functionalities in CNTs necessitate high water fluxes as well as controllable salt rejection. Subsequently, the chapter analyzes the merits and challenges associated with these CNT membranes with regard to nanotoxicology and environmental remediation. Finally, an assessment on the sustainability of CNT membranes in desalination systems is made from a social, technological, and commercial perspective. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/24858 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z