A novel integrated carbon-wood electrode with photothermal, heat storage, and electrochemical properties for solar-driven thermochemical cells

Abstract

Thermochemical cells present a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for solar energy utilization, but their performance is often limited by fluctuations in solar radiation. Traditional methods involve incorporating thermal storage systems into thermochemical cells, though these are limited by low heat transfer rates and the small electrochemically active surface area of conventional electrodes. This study introduces, innovatively, a carbon-wood electrode design that integrates enhanced photothermal, heat storage, and electrochemical properties for continuous electricity generation in solar-powered thermochemical cells. The carbon-wood structure increases photothermal conversion efficiency by 67 %, electrochemically active surface area by 28 %, and heat release time up to 16.67 min/cm3 compared to traditional graphite electrodes. Thermochemical cells with these electrodes achieve stable power output under fluctuating solar conditions, boosting maximum current density by 250 % to 0.9 A/m2. These findings highlight the great potential of carbon-wood electrodes to stabilize and improve the efficiency of thermochemical cells, especially under intermittent lighting conditions. In addition, the integrated electrode design provides a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture solution, offering a novel approach for the sustainable development of affordable and efficient solar thermochemical cells technology.