Three-dimensional hierarchical metal oxide–carbon electrode materials for highly efficient microbial electrosynthesis. Issue 5 (19th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cui, M.; Nie, H.; Zhang, T.; Lovley, D.; Russell, T. P.
• Is Part Of: Sustainable energy & fuels. Volume 1:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 1171
• Page End: 1176
• Publication Date: 2017-05-19
• Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Electric batteries -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 660.297
• DOI: 10.1039/c7se00073a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-4902

Abstract

Abstract : The production of hierarchical hybrid conductive materials that are mesoporous, with pores spanning from sub-microns to microns in size, is important for large-area electrode applications. Abstract : The production of hierarchical hybrid conductive materials that are mesoporous, with pores spanning from sub-microns to microns in size, is important for large-area electrode applications. Here, a simple one-step, low-cost method to fabricate metal oxide–carbon hybrid materials with a hierarchical pore structure in a microwave oven is demonstrated. The microwave pyrolysis of ferrocene using carbon felt as a microwave absorber is a method that is rapid (takes of seconds), requires neither harsh conditions nor the use of costly equipment, and can be readily scaled up. The produced material has a high specific surface area, a multi-length scale porous structure and a high conductivity, and is quite stable, making it promising for many practical applications. As an electrode in microbial electrosynthesis, its performance is improved by a factor of five and an optimal biofilm of the microorganism is formed on the surface.