We presented the novel concept of a hybrid-seawater fuel cell, comprising a closed-negative electrode, a NASICON solid electrolyte, and an open-seawater positive electrode. Hard carbon and a Sn-C nanocomposite were successfully applied as alternative anode materials for this hybrid-seawater fuel cell, presenting a highly stable cycling performance and reversible capacities exceeding 110 mAh g−1 and 300 mAh g−1 for hard carbon and Sn-C, respectively. Particularly, in the case of the Sn-C anode, the performance was substantially enhanced by the almost infinite supply of sodium ions using the open system seawater-based positive electrode. Thus, in addition to the simplicity of the overall concept, the utilization of redox processes in seawater represents a new and very promising approach for cost efficient and environmental friendly large-scale energy storage devices.
- Jae-Kwang Kim
- Franziska Mueller
- Youngsik Kim
