Synthesis of low cost organometallic-type catalysts for their application in microbial fuel cell technology

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology that generates electricity from several biodegradable substrates and wastes. The main drawback of these devices is the need of using a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode, which makes the process relatively expensive. In this work, two low cost materials are tested as catalysts in MFCs. A novel iron complex based on the ligand n-phenyledenparaethoxy aniline has been synthesized and its performance as catalyst in single chamber MFCs containing ionic liquids has been compared with a commercial inorganic material such as Raney nickel. The results show that both materials are suitable for bioenergy production and wastewater treatment in the systems. Raney nickel cathodes allow MFCs to reach a maximum power output of 160 mW.m, while the iron complex offers lower values. Regarding the wastewater treatment capacity, MFCs working with Raney nickel-based cathodes reach higher values of chemical oxygen demand removal (76%) compared with the performance displayed by the cathodes based on Fe-complex (56%).

Set up of a Microbial Fuel Cell for the Treatment of a Garden Compost Leachate: Impact of the External Polarizing Electric Resistance Upon the Chemical Oxygen Demand Removal

“…), for the oxygen reduction. This finding has been approved by a recent investigation undertaken by Zerrouki et al [9], by synthesis of low cost organometallic-type catalysts for application in MFC technology. Besides, a critical review on recent proton exchange membranes applied in MFCs for renewable energy recovery, has been carried out by Shabani et al [10], to study the crucial role of polymer ionic membranes role in this technology.…”

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

“…all metallic strips can be serving as electrodes and offer better outcomes. Metallic material carries a higher rate of conduction than other materials and thus, metal-based materials flew the electron faster which help to enhance energy generation [56][57][58]. The metallic electrode also showed high electrical conductivity, good mechanical stability and so far, biocompatibility for a short time.…”