Biochar based cathode enriched with hydroxyapatite and Cu nanoparticles boosting electromethanogenesis

Interface properties of hydroxyapatite in ternary composites cathodes for electromethanogenesis

“…The results evidence that the method used to prepare the multicomposite do not allowed the dispersion of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles inside the multicomposite porosity. Indeed, as already reported in previous work, 46 scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the deposition of HAP occurred exclusively at the external surface area of the biochar (Fig. S1, ESI†).…”

“…An innovative and cost-effective composite material (10HAP-20Cu/C), consisting of porous carbon (biochar, C) doped with 20 wt% copper (Cu) and 10 wt% hydroxyapatite was prepared according to a multi-step protocol, already presented in the literature. 46,52…”

“…The detailed procedures for the preparation of single components and ternary composite have been reported in previous works. 46,52…”

“…The catholyte was inoculated with hydrogenotrophic microorganisms from an operating bioreactor, consisting mainly of Methanobacterium order. 46 Measurements were performed during two weeks of test (at 1, 7 and 14 days). Voltammetric curves (CV) of the polarized multicomposites were performed at open circuit potential (OCP) after a suitable equilibration time.…”

“…Remarkably, biochar loaded with 20% Cu and 10% hydroxyapatite (10HAP-20Cu/C) demonstrated superior performance in electromethanogenesis systems compared to undoped biochar and Cu-doped biochar, resulting in higher biomethane productivity (0.87 mol m −2 d −1 ), and faster kinetics. 46…”