Solid-phase microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are promising clean energy that can convert soil/sediment organic matter into usable electricity. However, the practical application of SMFCs require to increase output power, improve energy conversion efficiency, and reduce electrode material costs. In this study, three porous biomass materials, namely, corn stems (CSs), commercial bread (CB), and loofah sponges (LSs), were studied to construct three-dimensional (3D) electrode materials with different pores for improving the performance of SMFCs through a simple carbonization process. The material structure properties of the 3D electrode were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, impedance, and cyclic voltammetry. Results showed that CS had the highest effective electrochemical specific surface area and the lowest charge-transfer resistance. The power densities of SMFCs with CSs, CB, and LSs were 66, 47, and 16 mW/m 2 , respectively, while the power density of SMFCs with carbon felt was only 13 mW/m 2 . The pore sizes of CSs were smaller than that of another 3D electrode, which was conducive to improving the electron-transfer rate for increasing the substrate mass transfer rate and biocompatibility in SMFCs. CSs were also an excellent and cost-effective material for establishing 3D electrodes to improve the performance of SMFCs.
Polyaniline (PANI)/epoxy composite coatings, as heavy‐duty corrosion protection coatings, might have great promise applications in marine and industrial environments. The weak weather resistance of epoxy resins, especially under the sunlight, directly reduces the service life of the epoxy composites coatings. Herein, the degradation behaviors of epoxy coatings with and without PANI nanowires in the outdoor environment were investigated by the multiple techniques and methods. The cracks occurred on the coating surface were observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and the density change of the methyl group in the coatings was characterized by Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the mechanical properties including adhesion, hardness, flexibility and impact resistance of the coating were tested. The corrosion protection performance of epoxy coatings cooperated with and without PANI nanowires was investigated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy technique. A series of experimental results demonstrated that the degradation of the coating containing PANI nanowires was slowed down, which is attributed to that PANI nanowires served as the antioxidant and free radical scavenger in the epoxy coatings, and prolonged the service life of the epoxy resin.
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