Comparative performance of sustainable anode materials in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for electricity generation from wastewater

• DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101385
• Publication Date: 2023-09-15T10:37:01Z
• Authors: A.K.M Khabirul Islam; Patrick SM. Dunlop; Gourav Bhattacharya; Md Mokim; Neil J. Hewitt; Ye Huang; Valentina Gogulancea; K. Zhang; Caterina Brandoni
• Keywords: Carbon fibers

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology to generate electricity from wastewater and reduce the organic content. Whilst there has been significant enhancement in MFC efficiency arising introduction of novel materials cell designs, challenges remain with respect performance, cost, sustainability anode materials. This paper reports development single chamber MFCs focus on novel, cost-effective, recycled carbon-based materials, including Recycled Water Filter Block/Powder (RWFB/RWFP), Chopped Carbon Fibre (RCCF), Felt (CF) Graphite Flexible powder (GFG). Anodes prepared GFG were shown provide high power density (342.8 mW/m2), followed by RCCF, CF, RWFP, RWFB CF (77.6, 71.8, 59.0 57.9 mW/m2, respectively). Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction was measured initially at day 30, anodes observed remove 83% initial load, compared RWFB, RWFP anodes, where COD reductions 69%, 61%, 65% 73% observed, respectively. Electrochemical analysis biofilm imaging confirmed colonised microorganisms performed standards. offers promise as an material, excellent performance supported capital cost up 90% comparison CF. The use carbon material shows promise, but requires additional work improve stability durability systems permit scale-up.