PEDOT/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites on biochar as a free-standing anode for high-performance and durable microbial fuel cells. (7th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Senthilkumar, N.; Pannipara, Mehboobali; Al-Sehemi, Abdullah G.; Gnana kumar, G.
• Is Part Of: New journal of chemistry. Volume 43:Number 20(2019)
• Page Start: 7743
• Page End: 7750
• Publication Date: 2019-05-07
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chimie -- Périodiques; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/c9nj00638a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1144-0546

Abstract

Abstract : The competitive and hopeful route is endowed to convert wastes into profitable products by generating green energy from wastewater using PEDOT/NiFe2 O4 nanostructures on the biomass-derived electrode as anode in microbial fuel cells. Abstract : Biochar (BC), prepared from the carbonization of neem wood, was modified with nickel ferrite (NiFe2 O4 ) nanorod/poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) composite and directly employed as a free-standing and binder-free anode in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The morphological and X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrate that the cubic spinel-structured NiFe2 O4 nanorods are homogeneously distributed over the sheet-like amorphous PEDOT. The bioelectrochemical activity of exoelectrogens is improved with PEDOT/NiFe2 O4 /BC as endorsed by the superior oxidation current in the voltammograms. Furthermore, the MFC with PEDOT/NiFe2 O4 /BC demonstrates a peak power of 1200 mW m −2 because of the unique catalytic nanoarchitectures, compact biofilm formation, continuous electron conduction paths, and elevated structural and chemical stabilities of PEDOT/NiFe2 O4 . The waste matter-derived electrode constituent, binder-free electrode modification, mediator-less electron transference, and considerable power generation associated with a proficient lifespan performance of PEDOT/NiFe2 O4 open up a versatile avenue towards the development of cost-efficient, high-performance, and durable MFCs.