Power generation using spinel manganese–cobalt oxide as a cathode catalyst for microbial fuel cell applications

• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.08.123
• Publication Date: 2011-09-07T02:56:45Z
• Authors: Mohamed Mahmoud; Tarek A. Gad-Allah; K.M. El-Khatib; Fatma El-Gohary
• Keywords: Cobalt oxide

This study focused on the use of spinel manganese-cobalt (Mn-Co) oxide, prepared by a solid state reaction, as a cathode catalyst to replace platinum in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) applications. Spinel Mn-Co oxides, with an Mn/Co atomic ratios of 0.5, 1, and 2, were prepared and examined in an air cathode MFCs which was fed with a molasses-laden synthetic wastewater and operated in batch mode. Among the three Mn-Co oxide cathodes and after 300 h of operation, the Mn-Co oxide catalyst with Mn/Co atomic ratio of 2 (MnCo-2) exhibited the highest power generation 113 mW/m2 at cell potential of 279 mV, which were lower than those for the Pt catalyst (148 mW/m2 and 325 mV, respectively). This study indicated that using spinel Mn-Co oxide to replace platinum as a cathodic catalyst enhances power generation, increases contaminant removal, and substantially reduces the cost of MFCs.