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Zhang Y, Li D, Zhang L, Li J, Fu Q, Zhu X, Liao Q. Response of current distribution in a liter-scale microbial fuel cell to variable operating conditions. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 156:108622. [PMID: 38070364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an emerging technology in renewable energy and waste treatment and the scale-up is crucial for practical applications. Undoubtedly, the analysis and comprehension of MFC operation necessitate essential information regarding the response of the current distribution to variable operating conditions, which stands as one of its significant dynamic characteristics. In this study, the dynamic responses of current distribution to external stimuli (external load, temperature, pH, and electrolyte concentration) were investigated by employing a segmented anode current collector in a liter-scale MFC. The results demonstrated that, with respect to the anodic segment close to the cathode, a major response of the segment current to changes in load, temperature and pH was observed while minor response to changes in ion concentration. It was also found that external stimuli-induced high current usually led to a worse current distribution while increasing electrolyte ion concentration could simultaneously improve the maximal power generation and current distribution. In addition, the response time of segment current to input stimulus followed the pattern of temperature ˃ pH ˃ ion concentration ˃ external load. The results and implication of this study would be helpful in enhancing the operational stability of scale-up MFCs in future practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; School of Energy and Power Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
| | - Dong Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Low-grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, China; Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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Tong KTX, Tan IS, Foo HCY, Show PL, Lam MK, Wong MK. Sustainable circular biorefinery approach for novel building blocks and bioenergy production from algae using microbial fuel cell. Bioengineered 2023; 14:246-289. [PMID: 37482680 PMCID: PMC10367576 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2236842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The imminent need for transition to a circular biorefinery using microbial fuel cells (MFC), based on the valorization of renewable resources, will ameliorate the carbon footprint induced by industrialization. MFC catalyzed by bioelectrochemical process drew significant attention initially for its exceptional potential for integrated production of biochemicals and bioenergy. Nonetheless, the associated costly bioproduct production and slow microbial kinetics have constrained its commercialization. This review encompasses the potential and development of macroalgal biomass as a substrate in the MFC system for L-lactic acid (L-LA) and bioelectricity generation. Besides, an insight into the state-of-the-art technological advancement in the MFC system is also deliberated in detail. Investigations in recent years have shown that MFC developed with different anolyte enhances power density from several µW/m2 up to 8160 mW/m2. Further, this review provides a plausible picture of macroalgal-based L-LA and bioelectricity circular biorefinery in the MFC system for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tian Xiang Tong
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Inn Shi Tan
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Henry Chee Yew Foo
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
- Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - Man Kee Lam
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
- HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Mee Kee Wong
- PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Zou J, Chang Q, Guo C, Yan M. Vanadium nitride decorated carbon cloth anode promotes aniline degradation and electricity generation of MFCs by efficiently enriching electroactive bacteria and promoting extracellular electron transfer. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 346:119048. [PMID: 37742561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
To increase the colonization of electroactive bacteria and accelerate the rate of extracellular electron transfer, a simple coated anode of microbial fuel cell was designed. Here, we took advantage of vanadium nitride (VN) particles to modify the carbon cloth (VN@CC). Compared with bare carbon cloth, the designed VN@CC bioanodes exhibited a larger electrochemically active area, better biocompatibility, and smaller charge transfer impedance. The MFC with VN@CC bioanodes achieved the maximum power density of 3.89 W m-2 and chemical oxygen demand removal rate of 84% when 1000 mg L-1 aniline was degraded, which were about 1.88 and 2.8 times that of CC. The morphology of biofilm and 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis proved that the VN@CC bioanodes facilitated the enrichment of electroactive bacteria (99.02%) and increased the ratio of fast electron transfer in the extracellular electron transfer, thus enhancing the MFC performance of aniline degradation and power output. This work disclosed that it was feasible to increase the overall performance of MFC by enhancing the EET efficiency and presented valuable insights for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixiang Zou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
| | - Qinghuan Chang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
| | - Chongshen Guo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
| | - Mei Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
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4
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Koehle AP, Brumwell SL, Seto EP, Lynch AM, Urbaniak C. Microbial applications for sustainable space exploration beyond low Earth orbit. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37344487 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme environments on Earth have shown the ability for bacteria and fungi to adapt and change compared to "normal" conditions. Some of these changes, like biofilm formation, can impact astronaut health and spacecraft integrity in a negative way, while others, such as a propensity for plastic degradation, can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability in space. With the next era of space exploration upon us, which will see crewed missions to the Moon and Mars in the next 10 years, incorporating microbiology research into planning, decision-making, and mission design will be paramount to ensuring success of these long-duration missions. These can include astronaut microbiome studies to protect against infections, immune system dysfunction and bone deterioration, or biological in situ resource utilization (bISRU) studies that incorporate microbes to act as radiation shields, create electricity and establish robust plant habitats for fresh food and recycling of waste. In this review, information will be presented on the beneficial use of microbes in bioregenerative life support systems, their applicability to bISRU, and their capability to be genetically engineered for biotechnological space applications. In addition, we discuss the negative effect microbes and microbial communities may have on long-duration space travel and provide mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. Utilizing the benefits of microbes, while understanding their limitations, will help us explore deeper into space and develop sustainable human habitats on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Koehle
- Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Brumwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anne M Lynch
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA.
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Sevda S, Garlapati VK, Sreekrishnan TR. Role of electrode and proton exchange membrane configurations on microbial fuel cell performance toward bioelectricity generation integrated wastewater treatment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:13-23. [PMID: 36695048 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2168998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of electrode surface area, proton exchange membrane area, and volume of the anodic chamber were investigated on the performance of five different dual chamber microbial fuel cells (MFC) using synthetic wastewater toward wastewater treatment coupled electricity generation. In the batch mode, the five different MFC's were operated with the anodic chamber volumes of 93-890 mL, 17.33-56.77 cm2 electrode surface area, obtained volumetric power densities of 137.72-58.13 mW/m3, and unit area power densities ranging from 27.04 to 11.94 mW/m2. Fed-batch studies were done with the MFC having 740 mL anodic chamber volume at different wastewater COD concentrations. The power density per unit area increased from 22.93 mW/m2 to 36.25 cm2 when the distance between electrodes was reduced from 10 to 6 cm. A maximum volumetric power density of 135.21 mW/m3 has been attained with a 6 cm electrode distance with the accomplished COD reduction of 93.21%. The presence of biofilm on the anode has been visualized through the SEM images. The higher COD concentration of wastewater and the fed-batch operation resulted in increased power output and wastewater treatment efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajbhan Sevda
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, India
- Waste Treatment Lab, Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Garlapati
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, HP, India
| | - T R Sreekrishnan
- Waste Treatment Lab, Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
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6
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Tian L, Liao C, Yan X, Zhao Q, Wang Z, Li T, Li N, Wang X. Endogenous electric field accelerates phenol degradation in bioelectrochemical systems with reduced electrode spacing. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130043. [PMID: 36182882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the electrode spacing in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are widely reported to improve power output, which was mainly attributed to the decrease of ohmic resistance (Rohm) for a long time. Here we found the change of endogenous electric field (EF) intensity was the key to improve electroactivity in response to a reduced electrode spacing, which also accelerated phenol biodegradation. Correlation and principal components analysis revealed that the microbial community of electroactive biofilm (EAB) was independent of Rohm, while the EF intensity was found closely related to most of predominant genera. A strong EF selectively enriched phenol-degrading bacteria Comamonas in suspension and Geobacter in EAB, contributed to the improvement of degradation efficiency. EF also induced the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances, protected EAB from being inactivated by phenol. Our findings highlighted the importance of EF intensity on BESs performance, providing new insights into the design and application of BESs in wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chengmei Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xuejun Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tian Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 35 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control/College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China.
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7
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Rezaei A, Aber S, Roberts DJ, Javid Ga A. Synthesis and study of CuNiTiO 3 as an ORR electrocatalyst to enhance microbial fuel cell efficiency. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135709. [PMID: 35843431 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have the capability of simultaneous sewage treatment and electricity generation. Modifying the cathode electrode enhances their efficiency. In this study, NiTiO3 and CuNiTiO3 were synthesized for practical application as cathode catalysts in a dual-chamber MFC and the performance of the modified cathodes was evaluated against a bare graphite electrode. SEM images showed that the particle sizes were mostly in the range of 40-120 and 20-80 nm for NiTiO3 and CuNiTiO3, respectively. According to AFM results, CuNiTiO3 presented a higher surface roughness than NiTiO3. MFC using CuNiTiO3/G electrode with a reduction potential value of -0.27 V (vs. SCE) and a power density of 62.18 mW m-2 showed better oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity compared with NiTiO3/G and the bare graphite. MFC using CuNiTiO3 cathode also showed the highest values in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (75%) and the calculated coulombic efficiency (CE, 10%). The results obtained in this study, introduce CuNiTiO3 as a promising electrocatalyst for further improvement of the cathodic reactions in MFC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rezaei
- Research Laboratory of Environmental Protection Technology (RLEPT), Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheil Aber
- Research Laboratory of Environmental Protection Technology (RLEPT), Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Ave, Prince George, BC, Canada.
| | - Deborah J Roberts
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Ave, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Abbas Javid Ga
- Research Laboratory of Environmental Protection Technology (RLEPT), Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Kondaveeti S, Bisht A, Pagolu R, Lai C, Lestari R, Kumar A, Das D, Kalia VC, Lee JK. Mild Alkaline Pretreatment of Rice Straw as a Feedstock in Microbial Fuel Cells for Generation of Bioelectricity. Indian J Microbiol 2022; 62:447-455. [PMID: 35974908 PMCID: PMC9375807 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-022-01022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels as an energy source has drastically increased global temperatures. Their continuous use poses a great threat to the existing energy reserves. Therefore, the energy sector has taken a turn toward developing eco-friendly, sustainable energy generation by using sustainable lignocellulosic wastes, such as rice straw (RS). For lignocellulosic waste to be utilized as an efficient energy source, it needs to be broken down into less complex forms by pretreatment processes, such as alkaline pretreatment using NaOH. Varied NaOH concentrations (0.5%,1.0%,1.5%,2%) for alkaline pretreatment of RS were used for the holocellulose generation. Amongst the four NaOH concentrations tested, RS-1.5% exhibited higher holocellulose generation of 80.1%, whereas 0.5%, 1 5 and 2% pointed 71.9%, 73.8%, and 78.5% holocellulose generation, respectively. Further, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were tested for voltage generation by utilizing holocellulose generated from untreated (RS-0%) and mildly alkaline pretreated RS (RS-1.5%) as a feedstock. The MFC voltage and maximum power generation using RS-0% were 194 mV and 167 mW/m2, respectively. With RS-1.5%, the voltage and maximum power generation were 556 mV and 583 mW/m2, respectively. The power density of RS-1.5% was three-fold higher than that of RS-0%. The increase in MFC power generation suggests that alkaline pretreatment plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanath Kondaveeti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Aarti Bisht
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Raviteja Pagolu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Chunfen Lai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Rowina Lestari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Anurag Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Devashish Das
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Vipin C. Kalia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
| | - Jung-Kul Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029 South Korea
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Yang S, Xiao N, Wang J, Zhang B, Huang JJ. Development of miniature self-powered single-chamber microbial fuel cell and its response mechanism to copper ions in high and trace concentration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155367. [PMID: 35461944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Copper ions are widely present in water environment and are involved in various biochemical reaction processes, causing irreversible damage to the human body. In this study, we design and establish a self-powered miniature single-chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) reactor using xurography technology. Optimal volume of 188 μL is obtained by controlling the distance between the anode and cathode. Copper ions in two concentration gradients are tested and good linear response curves are obtained. The opposite responses to copper ions in the trace concentration range (0-0.4 mg/L) and high concentration range (1.0-8.0 mg/L) are observed. The results show that at trace concentration range, the inhibitory effect of copper ions on the biofilm activity of micro-SCMFC is dominant; while high concentration copper ions are involved in chemical reactions that produce Cu2O, which may act as a catalyst and promote electron transfer. A good linear response to trace concentration (0-0.4 mg/L) of copper ions with detection limits of 0.05 mg/L is obtained in this study. It could be used in drinking water for trace copper ion detection. The investigation of the mechanisms provides the scientific basis for the design of the efficient detection of copper ions by SCMFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Nan Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Jingshu Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Beichen Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Jinhui Jeanne Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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10
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Dey N, Samuel GV, Raj DS, Gajalakshmi B. Nanomaterials as potential high performing electrode materials for microbial fuel cells. APPLIED NANOSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13204-022-02371-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cabrera J, Dai Y, Irfan M, Li Y, Gallo F, Zhang P, Zong Y, Liu X. Novel continuous up-flow MFC for treatment of produced water: Flow rate effect, microbial community, and flow simulation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 289:133186. [PMID: 34883132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Produced water (PW) is the main waste produced by oil and gas industry, and its treatment represents an environmental and economical challenge for governments and the industry itself. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) emerge as an ecofriendly technology able to harvest energy and remove pollutants at the same time, however high internal resistance is a key problem limiting their operating performance and practical application. In this work, a novel continuous up-flow MFC was designed and fed solely using PW under different flowrates. Effects of the different flowrates (0 mL/s, 0.2 mL/s, 0.4 mL/s, and 0.6 mL/s) in power production performance and pollutants removal were analyzed. Our results demonstrated the removal efficiency of all the pollutants improved when flowrate incremented from 0 to 0.4 mL/s (COD: 96%, TDS: 22%, sulfates: 64%, TPH: 89%), but decreased when 0.6 mL/s was applied. The best power density of 227 mW/m2 was achieved in a flowrate of 0.4 mL/s. Similar to the pollutant's removal, the power density increased together with the increment of flowrate and decreased when 0.6 mL/s was used. The reason for the performance fluctuation was the decrement of internal resistance from 80 Ω (batch mode) to 20 Ω (0.4 mL/s), and then the sudden increment to 90 Ω for 0.6 mL/s. A flow simulation revealed that until 0.4 mL/s the flow was organized and helped protons to arrive in the membrane faster, but flowrate of 0.6 mL/s created turbulence which prejudiced the transportation of protons incrementing the internal resistance. Microbial community analysis of the biofilm found that Desulfuromonas, Desulfovibrio and Geoalkalibacter were dominant bacteria in charge of pollutant removal and electricity production. This study can be helpful in guiding the use of continuous-flow MFC for PW treatment, and to accelerate the practical application of MFC technology in oil industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonnathan Cabrera
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, PR China
| | - Yexin Dai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, PR China
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, PR China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, PR China
| | - Felix Gallo
- School of Geology and Petroleum, Escuela Politecnica Nacional, Quito, 170143, Ecuador
| | - Pingping Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, 300384, PR China
| | - Yanping Zong
- Tianjin Marine Environmental Center Station, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tianjin, 300450, PR China
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300354, PR China.
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12
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A novel of 2D-3D combination carbon electrode to improve yeast microbial fuel cell performance. J APPL ELECTROCHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10800-022-01669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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13
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Lang Y, Yu Y, Zou H, Ye J, Zhang S, Chen J. Flavin mononucleotide-stimulated microbial fuel cell for efficient gaseous toluene abatement. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132247. [PMID: 34826930 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chemical park is regarded as a major contributor of VOCs emissions in China. Currently, a green and safe technology, microbial fuel cells (MFCs), is being developed for the VOCs abatement. Noting that effective electron transfer is critical to the MFC performance. In this work, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) was dosed as an electron shuttle to improve the removal of the typical toxic VOCs, toluene. The experimental results revealed that the performance of toluene removal and power generation were accelerated with the dosage of 0.2-2 μM FMN. With the addition of 1 μM FMN, the removal efficiency, the maximum output voltage and the coulombic efficiency of MFC were increased by 18.4%, 64.4% and 56.3%, respectively. However, a further increase in FMN concentration to 2 μM caused a reduction in the removal efficiency and coulombic efficiency. The images of scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the presence of FMN greatly promoted the microbial growth and its activity. Furthermore, microbial community analysis also implied that the moderate dosage of FMN (0.2-1 μM) was beneficial for the growth of the typical exoelectrogens, Geobacter sp., and thus the coulombic efficiency was increased. In addition, an electron transfer pathway involving in cytochrome b, OMCs, cytochrome c, and MtrA was proposed based on the cyclic voltammetry analysis. This work will provide a fundamental theoretical support for its application of toxic VOCs abatement from the chemical park.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Lang
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Yanan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Hongtao Zou
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China.
| | - Jiexu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Shihan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Jianmeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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14
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Hoang AT, Nižetić S, Ng KH, Papadopoulos AM, Le AT, Kumar S, Hadiyanto H, Pham VV. Microbial fuel cells for bioelectricity production from waste as sustainable prospect of future energy sector. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132285. [PMID: 34563769 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is lauded for its potentials to solve both energy crisis and environmental pollution. Technologically, it offers the capability to harness electricity from the chemical energy stored in the organic substrate with no intermediate steps, thereby minimizes the entropic loss due to the inter-conversion of energy. The sciences underneath such MFCs include the electron and proton generation from the metabolic decomposition of the substrate by microbes at the anode, followed by the shuttling of these charges to cathode for electricity generation. While its promising prospects were mutually evinced in the past investigations, the upscaling of MFC in sustaining global energy demands and waste treatments is yet to be put into practice. In this context, the current review summarizes the important knowledge and applications of MFCs, concurrently identifies the technological bottlenecks that restricted its vast implementation. In addition, economic analysis was also performed to provide multiangle perspectives to readers. Succinctly, MFCs are mainly hindered by the slow metabolic kinetics, sluggish transfer of charged particles, and low economic competitiveness when compared to conventional technologies. From these hindering factors, insightful strategies for improved practicality of MFCs were formulated, with potential future research direction being identified too. With proper planning, we are delighted to see the industrialization of MFCs in the near future, which would benefit the entire human race with cleaner energy and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Tuan Hoang
- Institute of Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Sandro Nižetić
- University of Split, FESB, Rudjera Boskovica 32, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Kim Hoong Ng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, 24301, Taiwan.
| | - Agis M Papadopoulos
- Process Equipment Design Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Postal Address: GR-54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anh Tuan Le
- School of Transportation Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Waste Reprocessing Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440 020, India
| | - H Hadiyanto
- Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE), Department of Chemical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto SH, Tembalang, Semarang, 50271, Indonesia; School of Postgraduate Studies, Diponegoro University, Jl. Imam Bardjo, SH Semarang, 50241, Indonesia.
| | - Van Viet Pham
- PATET Research Group, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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15
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Sharif HMA, Farooq M, Hussain I, Ali M, Mujtaba M, Sultan M, Yang B. Recent innovations for scaling up microbial fuel cell systems: Significance of physicochemical factors for electrodes and membranes materials. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Yan X, Du Q, Mu Q, Tian L, Wan Y, Liao C, Zhou L, Yan Y, Li N, Logan BE, Wang X. Long-Term Succession Shows Interspecies Competition of Geobacter in Exoelectrogenic Biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14928-14937. [PMID: 34676765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Geobacter spp. are well-known exoelectrogenic microorganisms that often predominate acetate-fed biofilms in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and other bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). By using an amplicon sequence variance analysis (at one nucleotide resolution), we observed a succession between two closely related species (98% similarity in 16S RNA), Geobacter sulfurreducens and Geobacter anodireducens, in the long-term studies (20 months) of MFC biofilms. Geobacter spp. predominated in the near-electrode portion of the biofilm, while the outer layer contained an abundance of aerobes, which may have helped to consume oxygen but reduced the relative abundance of Geobacter. Removal of the outer aerobes by norspermidine washing of biofilms revealed a transition from G. sulfurreducens to G. anodireducens. This succession was also found to occur rapidly in co-cultures in BES tests even in the absence of oxygen, suggesting that oxygen was not a critical factor. G. sulfurreducens likely dominated in early biofilms by its relatively larger cell size and production of extracellular polymeric substances (individual advantages), while G. anodireducens later predominated due to greater cell numbers (quantitative advantage). Our findings revealed the interspecies competition in the long-term evolution of Geobacter genus, providing microscopic insights into Geobacter's niche and competitiveness in complex electroactive microbial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qing Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Quanhua Mu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lili Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuxuan Wan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chengmei Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lean Zhou
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Yuqing Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
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17
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Chen J, Wang T, Zhang K, Luo H, Chen W, Mo Y, Wei Z. The fate of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) from livestock wastewater (dominated by quinolone antibiotics) treated by microbial fuel cell (MFC). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 218:112267. [PMID: 33932652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The removal characteristics of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements from livestock wastewater (dominated by quinolone antibiotics) treated with MFC were evaluated by High-throughput quantitative (HT-qPCR). The results showed that 144 ARGs and 8 MEGs were detected in the livestock wastewater. After MFC treatment, the number of AGRs decreased as a whole, and the relative abundance of macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin group B (MLSB) and aminoglycosider decreased by 62.7% and 92.9%, respectively. MGEs decreased by 57.3% and multidrug genes decreased by 90%. After MFC treatment, the absolute abundance of tetracycline in raw sewage decreased by two orders of magnitude from 5.8 × 105 copies L-1 to 5.1.× 103 copies L-1. However, MFC was less efficient in the removal of vancomycin and beta-lactamase genes. It was also found that chloramphenicol resistance genes slightly increased. Illumina sequencing showed that Syntrophobacterales and Synergistales were predominant in MFCs. Desulfovibrio was resistant to high concentration of moxifloxacin hydrochloride. The removal efficiency of MFC for moxifloxacin hydrochloride at a concentration of 5 mg L-1 was 86.55%. The maximum power density and coulomb efficiency were 109.3 mV·cm-3 and 41.97%, respectively. With the increase of antibiotic concentration, the sewage treatment efficiency and electrical performance were inhibited. This study shows that untreated livestock wastewater had a great risk of gene horizontal transfer. Although MFC had limited treatment capacity for high-concentration quinolone wastewater, it is an effective method to reduce ARGs and the risk of horizontal gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- College of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611830, PR China
| | - Tingting Wang
- College of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611830, PR China
| | - Ke Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611830, PR China; School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Hongbing Luo
- College of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611830, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611830, PR China
| | - You Mo
- College of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611830, PR China
| | - Zhaolan Wei
- College of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611830, PR China
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18
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Zhang M, Ma Z, Song H. Preparation and Application of Fe-N Co-Doped GNR@CNT Cathode Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalyst in Microbial Fuel Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11020377. [PMID: 33540737 PMCID: PMC7912981 DOI: 10.3390/nano11020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Through one-step pyrolysis, non-noble-metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts were constructed from ferric trichloride, melamine, and graphene nanoribbon@carbon nanotube (GNR@CNT), in which a portion of the multiwall carbon nanotube is unwrapped/unzipped radially, and thus graphene nanoribbon is exposed. In this study, Fe-N/GNR@CNT materials were used as an air-cathode electrocatalyst in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for the first time. The Fe-N/C shows similar power generation ability to commercial Pt/C, and its electron transfer number is 3.57, indicating that the ORR process primarily occurs with 4-electron. Fe species, pyridinic-N, graphitic-N, and oxygen-containing groups existing in GNR@CNT frameworks are likely to endow the electrocatalysts with good ORR performance, suggesting that a GNR@CNT-based carbon supporter would be a good candidate for the non-precious metal catalyst to replace Pt-based precious metal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhaokun Ma
- Correspondence: (Z.M.); (H.S.); Tel.: +86-10-64434916 (Z.M.); +86-10-64434916 (H.S.)
| | - Huaihe Song
- Correspondence: (Z.M.); (H.S.); Tel.: +86-10-64434916 (Z.M.); +86-10-64434916 (H.S.)
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19
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Kugarajah V, Dharmalingam S. Sulphonated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/sulphonated poly ether ether ketone nanocomposite membranes for microbial fuel cell: Insights to the miniatures involved. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127593. [PMID: 32679377 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study we demonstrate Sulphonated Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (S-POSS) incorporated Sulphonated Poly Ether Ether Ketone (SPEEK) as an effective cation exchange membrane (CEM) for improving performance and sustainability in a fabricated tubular Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). The organic-inorganic caged frame of S-POSS enables several ion conducting channels thereby resulting in better proton conductivity and water uptake in addition to hydroxide ions native in POSS. Among the membranes, SPEEK+ 5 wt% S-POSS exhibits a highest maximum performance of 162 ± 1.4 mW m-2 with the highest IEC of 1.8 ± 0.05 meq g-1. Microbial community analysis reveals the predominance of several bacterial strains contributing to wide range of mechanisms. Three phyla including Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes showed maximum predominance. In addition to a novel nanocomposite membrane, the present research introduces perceptions of two metabolic mechanisms of the microbial community available which opens pathway for future insights on how other miniatures involve in electron transfer mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidhegi Kugarajah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025, India
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20
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Jiang PY, Xiao ZH, Wang YF, Li N, Liu ZQ. Enhanced performance of microbial fuel cells using Ag nanoparticles modified Co, N co-doped carbon nanosheets as bifunctional cathode catalyst. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 138:107717. [PMID: 33333455 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the formation of biofilm on cathode severely limited the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). An efficient way to enhance the power-generation capacity and long-term stability of MFCs is to develop bifunctional catalyst by incorporating the efficient ORR catalysts with antibacterial ingredient. In this study, the Ag/Co-N-C nanosheets were designed and synthesized by decorating Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto Co-N-C nanosheets, which were prepared from Zn/Co bimetallic metal-organic framework (ZIF-67/ZIF-8) precursor. The Zn/Co ratio, Ag doping amount and the calcination temperature of the precursor were systematically investigated. The optimum sample Ag/Co-N-C-30 revealed the excellent ORR performance with a half-wave potential of 0.80 V vs. RHE, which was slightly lower than that of Pt/C (0.82 V vs. RHE). The MFCs equipped with Ag/Co-N-C-30 cathode exhibited maximum power density of 548 ± 12.6 mW m-2 and superior durability even after 1600 h operation. Besides, the selective antimicrobial ability of Ag/Co-N-C-30 was further explored and the aerobic bacteria in cathode biofilm was found to be obviously inhibited by Ag/Co-N-C-30. The results suggested the Ag/Co-N-C nanosheets can serve as a promising cathode catalyst for practical applications of MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Yang Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Xiao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zhao-Qing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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21
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Microbial Structure and Energy Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells Powered with Waste Anaerobic Digestate. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13184712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of economical and environment-friendly Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) technology should be associated with waste management. However, current knowledge regarding microbiological bases of electricity production from complex waste substrates is insufficient. In the following study, microbial composition and electricity generation were investigated in MFCs powered with waste volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from anaerobic digestion of primary sludge. Two anode sizes were tested, resulting in organic loading rates (OLRs) of 69.12 and 36.21 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/(g MLSS∙d) in MFC1 and MFC2, respectively. Time of MFC operation affected the microbial structure and the use of waste VFAs promoted microbial diversity. High abundance of Deftia sp. and Methanobacterium sp. characterized start-up period in MFCs. During stable operation, higher OLR in MFC1 favored growth of exoelectrogens from Rhodopseudomonas sp. (13.2%) resulting in a higher and more stable electricity production in comparison with MFC2. At a lower OLR in MFC2, the percentage of exoelectrogens in biomass decreased, while the abundance of genera Leucobacter, Frigoribacterium and Phenylobacterium increased. In turn, this efficiently decomposed complex organic substances, favoring high and stable COD removal (over 85%). Independent of the anode size, Clostridium sp. and exoelectrogens belonging to genera Desulfobulbus and Acinetobacter were abundant in MFCs powered with waste VFAs.
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