1
|
Ghanam A, Cecillon S, Sabac A, Mohammadi H, Amine A, Buret F, Haddour N. Untreated vs. Treated Carbon Felt Anodes: Impacts on Power Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2142. [PMID: 38138311 PMCID: PMC10744851 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This research sought to enhance the efficiency and biocompatibility of anodes in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), with an aim toward large-scale, real-world applications. The study focused on the effects of acid-heat treatment and chemical modification of three-dimensional porous pristine carbon felt (CF) on power generation. Different treatments were applied to the pristine CF, including coating with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) dispersed using dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) surfactant and biopolymer chitosan (CS). These processes were expected to improve the hydrophilicity, reduce the internal resistance, and increase the electrochemically active surface area of CF anodes. A high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) analysis confirmed successful CNF coating. An electrochemical analysis showed improved conductivity and charge transfer toward [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- redox probe with treated anodes. When used in an air cathode single-chamber MFC system, the untreated CF facilitated quicker electroactive biofilm growth and reached a maximum power output density of 3.4 W m-2, with an open-circuit potential of 550 mV. Despite a reduction in charge transfer resistance (Rct) with the treated CF anodes, the power densities remained unchanged. These results suggest that untreated CF anodes could be most promising for enhancing power output in BESs, offering a cost-effective solution for large-scale MFC applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelghani Ghanam
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco (A.A.)
| | - Sebastien Cecillon
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
| | - Andrei Sabac
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
| | - Hasna Mohammadi
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco (A.A.)
| | - Aziz Amine
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco (A.A.)
| | - François Buret
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ghanam A, Cecillon S, Mohammadi H, Amine A, Buret F, Haddour N. Selective Sensing in Microbial Fuel Cell Biosensors: Insights from Toxicity-Adapted and Non-Adapted Biofilms for Pb(II) and Neomycin Sulfate Detection. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2027. [PMID: 38004884 PMCID: PMC10673119 DOI: 10.3390/mi14112027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
This study introduces the utilization of self-powered microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensors for the detection of biotoxicity in wastewater. Current MFC-based biosensors lack specificity in distinguishing between different pollutants. To address this limitation, a novel approach is introduced, capitalizing on the adaptive capabilities of anodic biofilms. By acclimating these biofilms to specific pollutants, an enhancement in the selectivity of MFC biosensors is achieved. Notably, electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) were cultivated on 3D porous carbon felt with and without a model toxicant (target analyte), resulting in the development of toxicant-resistant anodic biofilms. The model toxicants, Pb2+ ions and the antibiotic neomycin sulfate (NS), were deployed at a concentration of 1 mg L-1 during MFC operation. The influence of toxicity on biofilm growth and power production was investigated through polarization and power density curves. Concurrently, the electrochemical activity of both non-adapted and toxicity-adapted biofilms was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Upon maturation and attainment of peak powers, the MFC reactors were evaluated individually as self-powered biosensors for pollutant detection in fresh wastewater, employing the external resistor (ER) mode. The selected ER, corresponding to the maximum power output, was positioned between the cathode and anode of each MFC, enabling output signal tracking through a data logging system. Subsequent exposure of mature biofilm-based MFC biosensors to various concentrations of the targeted toxicants revealed that non-adapted mature biofilms generated similar current-time profiles for both toxicity models, whereas toxicity-adapted biofilms produced distinctive current-time profiles. Accordingly, these results suggested that merely by adapting the anodic biofilm to the targeted toxicity, distinct and identifiable current-time profiles can be created. Furthermore, these toxicity-adapted and non-adapted biofilms can be employed to selectively detect the pollutant via the differential measurement of electrical signals. This differentiation offers a promising avenue for selective pollutant detection. To the best of our current knowledge, this approach, which harnesses the natural adaptability of biofilms for enhanced sensor selectivity, represents a pioneering effort in the realm of MFC-based biosensing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelghani Ghanam
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco; (H.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Sebastien Cecillon
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
| | - Hasna Mohammadi
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco; (H.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Aziz Amine
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco; (H.M.); (A.A.)
| | - François Buret
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Klein EM, Knoll MT, Gescher J. Microbe-Anode Interactions: Comparing the impact of genetic and material engineering approaches to improve the performance of microbial electrochemical systems (MES). Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1179-1202. [PMID: 36808480 PMCID: PMC10221544 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are a highly versatile platform technology with a particular focus on power or energy production. Often, they are used in combination with substrate conversion (e.g., wastewater treatment) and production of value-added compounds via electrode-assisted fermentation. This rapidly evolving field has seen great improvements both technically and biologically, but this interdisciplinarity sometimes hampers overseeing strategies to increase process efficiency. In this review, we first briefly summarize the terminology of the technology and outline the biological background that is essential for understanding and thus improving MES technology. Thereafter, recent research on improvements at the biofilm-electrode interface will be summarized and discussed, distinguishing between biotic and abiotic approaches. The two approaches are then compared, and resulting future directions are discussed. This mini-review therefore provides basic knowledge of MES technology and the underlying microbiology in general and reviews recent improvements at the bacteria-electrode interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edina M. Klein
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Melanie T. Knoll
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Institute of Technical MicrobiologyUniversity of Technology HamburgHamburgGermany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cordoba A, Rivera-Muñoz EM, Velázquez-Castillo R, Esquivel K. PDMS/TiO 2 and PDMS/SiO 2 Nanocomposites: Mechanical Properties' Evaluation for Improved Insulating Coatings. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101699. [PMID: 37242114 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as reinforcements in polymeric coatings allows for direct interaction with the polymeric chains of the matrix, resulting in a synergistic process through physical (electrostatic forces) and chemical interactions (bond formation) for the improvement of the mechanical properties with relatively low weight concentrations of the NPs. In this investigation, different nanocomposite polymers were synthesized from the crosslinking reaction of the hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. Different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8, and 10 wt%) of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method were added as reinforcing structures. The crystalline and morphological properties of the nanoparticles were determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The molecular structure of coatings was through infrared spectroscopy (IR). The crosslinking, efficiency, hydrophobicity, and adhesion degree of the study groups were evaluated with gravimetric crosslinking tests, contact angle, and adhesion tests. It was observed that the crosslinking efficiency and surface adhesion properties of the different nanocomposites obtained were maintained. A slight increase in the contact angle was observed for the nanocomposites with 8 wt% compared to the polymer without reinforcements. The mechanical tests of indentation hardness and tensile strength following the ASTM E-384 and ISO 527 standards, respectively, were performed. As the nanoparticle concentration increased, a maximum increase of 157% in Vickers hardness, 71.4% in elastic modulus, and 80% in tensile strength was observed. However, the maximum elongation remained between 60 and 75%, ensuring that the composites did not become brittle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Cordoba
- Graduate and Research Division, Engineering Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas, Querétaro 76010, Mexico
| | - Eric Mauricio Rivera-Muñoz
- Center for Applied Physics and Advanced Technology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, A.P. 1-1010, Querétaro 76000, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Velázquez-Castillo
- Graduate and Research Division, Engineering Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas, Querétaro 76010, Mexico
| | - Karen Esquivel
- Graduate and Research Division, Engineering Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas, Querétaro 76010, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bae J. Applications of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Energy Storage Device. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:4353. [PMID: 36558205 PMCID: PMC9781306 DOI: 10.3390/nano12244353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials and nanotechnology have played central roles in the realization of high-efficiency and next-generation energy storage devices [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joonho Bae
- Department of Physics, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13102, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Paitier A, Haddour N, Gondran C, Vogel TM. Effect of Contact Area and Shape of Anode Current Collectors on Bacterial Community Structure in Microbial Fuel Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072245. [PMID: 35408642 PMCID: PMC9000358 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Low electrical conductivity of carbon materials is a source of potential loss for large carbonaceous electrode surfaces of MFCs due to the long distance traveled by electrons to the collector. In this paper, different configurations of titanium current collectors were used to connect large surfaces of carbon cloth anodes. The current collectors had different distances and contact areas to the anode. For the same anode surface (490 cm2), increasing the contact area from 28 cm2 to 70 cm2 enhanced power output from 58 mW·m-2 to 107 mW·m-2. For the same contact area (28 cm2), decreasing the maximal distance of current collectors to anodes from 16.5 cm to 7.75 cm slightly increased power output from 50 mW·m-2 to 58 mW·m-2. Molecular biology characterization (qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing) of anodic bacterial communities indicated that the Geobacter number was not correlated with power. Moreover, Geobacter and Desulfuromonas abundance increased with the drop in potential on the anode and with the presence of fermentative microorganisms. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that biofilm resistance decreased with the abundance of electroactive bacteria. All these results showed that the electrical gradient arising from collectors shapes microbial communities. Consequently, current collectors influence the performance of carbon-based anodes for full-scale MFC applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Paitier
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France;
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, CEDEX, 69616 Villeurbanne, France;
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-72-18-61-12
| | - Chantal Gondran
- DCM, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Timothy M. Vogel
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, CEDEX, 69616 Villeurbanne, France;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zheng X, Hou S, Amanze C, Zeng Z, Zeng W. Enhancing microbial fuel cell performance using anode modified with Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2022; 45:877-890. [PMID: 35166901 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Low electricity generation efficiency is one of the key issues that must be addressed for the practical application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Modification of microbial electrode materials is an effective method to enhance electron transfer. In this study, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation were added to anode chambers in different doses to explore its effect on the performance of MFCs. The maximum power density of the MFCs doped with 4.5 g/L Fe3O4 (391.11 ± 9.4 mW/m2) was significantly increased compared to that of the undoped MFCs (255.15 ± 24.8 mW/m2). The COD removal efficiency of the MFCs increased from 85.8 ± 2.8% to 95.0 ± 2.1%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry tests revealed that the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles enhanced the biocatalytic activity of the anode. High-throughput sequencing results indicated that 4.5 g/L Fe3O4 modified anodes enriched the exoelectrogen Geobacter (31.5%), while control MFCs had less Geobacter (17.4%). Magnetite is widely distributed worldwide, which provides an inexpensive means to improve the electrochemical performance of MFCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Zheng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Shanshan Hou
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Charles Amanze
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Zichao Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Weimin Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bacterial Competition for the Anode Colonization under Different External Resistances in Microbial Fuel Cells. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of external resistance (Rext) on the dynamic evolution of microbial communities in anodic biofilms of single-chamber microbial fuel cells fueled with acetate and inoculated with municipal wastewater. Anodic biofilms developed under different Rext (0, 330 and 1000 ohms, and open circuit condition) were characterized as a function of time during two weeks of growth using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and fluorescence microscopy. The results showed a drastic difference in power output of MFCs operated with an open circuit and those operated with Rext from 0 to 1000 ohms. Two steps during the bacterial community development of the anodic biofilms were identified. During the first four days, nonspecific electroactive bacteria (non-specific EAB), dominated by Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Comamonas, grew fast whatever the value of Rext. During the second step, specific EAB, dominated by Geobacter and Desulfuromonas, took over and increased over time, except in open circuit MFCs. The relative abundance of specific EAB decreased with increasing Rext. In addition, the richness and diversity of the microbial community in the anodic biofilms decreased with decreasing Rext. These results help one to understand the bacterial competition during biofilm formation and suggest that an inhibition of the attachment of non-specific electroactive bacteria to the anode surface during the first step of biofilm formation should improve electricity production.
Collapse
|