Comprehensive characterization of a cost-effective microbial fuel cell with Pt-free catalyst cathode and slip-casted ceramic membrane. (26th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez, Jesús; Mais, Laura; Campana, Roberto; Piroddi, Lorenza; Mascia, Michele; Gurauskis, Jonas; Vacca, Annalisa; Palmas, Simonetta
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 51(2021)
• Page Start: 26205
• Page End: 26223
• Publication Date: 2021-07-26
• Subjects: Low-cost microbial fuel cell -- Ceramic separator -- Slip-casting -- Pt-free cathode -- Copper oxide catalyst; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.01.066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: This work reports a new procedure for low-cost Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) manufacture, based on the optimization of the most expensive MFC components: separator and cathode. For the first time, tubular MFC clay separators were fabricated by slip-casting, which allowed to reach the lowest thickness reported to date (1.55 mm), with a minimum cost (0.43 €·m −2 ). On the other hand, a novel cathode was fabricated by using commercial CuO based catalyst and Carbon Mesh (CM). The new cathode showed a power density of 110 mW m −2, more than 40% higher than other Cu based cathodes for Ceramic-MFCs (C-MFCs) studied in the literature. The proposed cell was operated for more than 6 months, with a power reduction of 29.4%, contrasting with Pt-cathodes (deactivation of almost 50% during the first month). A deep economic analysis showed a cost of 0.51 €/cell when energetic optimization and a semi-industrial production were considered, one of the lowest for C-MFCs ever reported. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Combination of cheap techniques and materials allowed to obtain a very low-cost MFC. MFC separator was fabricated by slip-casting, with precise control of properties. CuO-Carbon Mesh cathode reported low degradation rate after more than 6 months. Energy optimization of fabrication process reduced the MFC cost up to 0.51 €/cell.