Polarity inversion from the bioanode to the biocathode
enables
a rapid formation of efficient biofilms for microbial electrochemical
reduction. Though this approach has been widely adopted for various
applications, the mechanism behind the enhanced extracellular electron
transfer (EET) during the polarity inversion process remains unclear.
Therefore, in this study, the succession pattern and electron transfer
mechanism of the inverted denitrifying biocathode were investigated
by continuously monitoring the electrochemical properties, denitrification
dynamics, and biofilm characteristics. The results indicated that
the highest current density of the biocathode after inversion from
bioanode was twice that of the steady current density, and the dominant
flora of the electrode biofilm shifted from Geobacter sp. to denitrifying bacteria (e.g., Shinella and Comamonas). The reversal polarity induced a decreasing content
of cytochrome C, while iron-containing compounds were found to be
responsible for an enhanced EET within the denitrification process.
This study provides a deep understanding of the EET mechanism behind
the electrode polarity inversion and is of great significance for
the future development of biocathode applications.