Anode decoration with biogenic Pd nanoparticles improved power generation in microbial fuel cells. (10th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quan, Xiangchun; Sun, Bo; Xu, Hengduo
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 182(2015)
• Page Start: 815
• Page End: 820
• Publication Date: 2015-11-10
• Subjects: biogenic palladium -- anode modification -- power generation -- microbial fuel cell; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.09.157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Highlights: This study presents a novel anode modification using Bio-Pd nanoparticles. Bio-Pd electrode showed electrocatalytic activity towards fermentation products. Bio-Pd modification enhanced power density, CE and decreased internal resistance. ABSTRACT: An anode electrode has been modified using biogenic palladium (Bio-Pd) nanoparticles aimed to establish a bifunctional anode and enhance its performance in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Bio-Pd nanoparticles are fabricated via Pd (II) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis and coated to carbon cloth as anode catalyst. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pd catalyst at electrode towards fermentation products of formate, lactate, acetate are assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The performance of MFCs with the Bio-Pd anode is investigated through measuring polarization curve, power density and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results show the Bio-Pd electrode exhibits an enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the fermentation products. With a Bio-Pd anode (2 mg/cm 2 Pd), the maximum power density and coulombic efficiency of MFCs are enhanced by 14% and 31% respectively, compared to that with an unmodified anode. Modification with Bio-Pd nanoparticles significantly reduces the charge transfer resistance of MFCs. The Bio-Pd modified anode possesses both electro-oxidative and microbial metabolic functions, which may contribute to the improved performance of MFCs.