A system and method are provided for boosting overall performance of a fuel cell while simultaneously separating a nearly pure stream of CO2 for sequestration or for use in generating electrical power to further increase overall efficiency of the process. The system and method employ a heat exchanger system configured to generate a stream of fuel that is returned to the inlet of the fuel cell anode with a higher molar concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) fuel than was initially present in the fuel cell anode outlet.