Electrode Material as Anode for Improving the Electrochemical Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract

The energy generation without causing environmental pollution is a unique idea to make a better survival for human beings. In this regard, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been considered to be eco-friendly and efficient technology to produce renewable energy. The operations and functioning of MFCs technology were affected by many factors but the electrodes are the most essential and significant aspects in MFCs. Moreover, a wide variety of electrodes and MFCs configurations have been developed to enhance the electrochemical performance of MFCs. The carbon materials (graphite, graphene etc.) were commonly used for the electrode fabrication, due to some unique properties such as high conductivity, good thermal stability, high surface area, good mechanical power etc. In this chapter, different electrode materials, used for anode fabrication were summarized to reveal the performance/efficiency toward the generation of electricity. Finally, the electrochemical characterizations tool, current challenges, and future perspectives of the electrode in MFCs were discussed briefly.

An Overview of Microbial Fuel Cell Technology for Sustainable Electricity Production

“…During the process, there are three parameters to consider: the microorganism's structures to carry out the phenomenon, the type of microorganism, and the electrical conductivity of the anode material. So far, there are three methods for electron transfer through EAB activity: (i) electron transfer through redox-active protein molecules, (ii) the use of shuttle electrons to transfer electrons, and (iii) direct electron transfer through conductive pili [34]. When the material has high conductivity, it helps to improve the flow of electrons, exhibiting less resistance [35].…”

Increasing power generation to a single-chamber compost soil urea fuel cell for carbon-neutral bioelectricity generation: A novel approach

“…Recently, graphite and its derivatives such as graphite rods, plates, sheets, cloth, or paper are commonly used because graphite material is more valuable than simple carbon types. The graphite material is very rigid, brittle, thin and so far, non-toxic material (Yaqoob et al, 2021). The catalytic activity of a coin-sized urea fuel cell with graphite foil as the working and counter electrodes was first analyzed in 3 g of soil taken in a 3.14 cm 2 area with urea fuel concentration of 0.5 g/mL for the cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies to check the studies are repeatable.…”