Direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells (DC-SOFCs) are promising energy-conversion devices that can directly convert the chemical energy of carbon into electricity with high efficiency and low pollution. The efficient and durable operation of DC-SOFCs is maintained by the effective coupling of electrochemical oxidation in the anode and the reverse Boudouard reaction in the carbon fuel. In this paper, we review recent advances in material design, fuel development, and heat management for improving the electrochemical output and conversion efficiency of DC-SOFCs. First, developments in state-of-the-art anode materials for the electrochemical oxidation of carbon are briefly reviewed. Second, various kinds of carbon fuels and catalysts for carbon gasification are outlined. Third, we introduce the present status of heat management in DC-SOFC systems. Finally, some conclusions involving challenges in DC-SOFCs and perspectives on them are systematically summarized.

直接碳固体氧化物燃料电池（DC-SOFC）是有前途的能量转换设备，可以将碳的化学能直接转换为电能，且效率高且污染低。DC-SOFC的有效和持久运行通过阳极中电化学氧化的有效耦合和碳燃料中的反向Boudouard反应得以保持。在本文中，我们回顾了材料设计，燃料开发和热管理方面的最新进展，以提高DC-SOFC的电化学输出和转化效率。首先，简要回顾了用于碳电化学氧化的最新阳极材料的发展。其次，概述了用于碳气化的各种碳燃料和催化剂。第三，我们介绍了DC-SOFC系统中热量管理的现状。