A review of recent advances in electrode materials for emerging bioelectrochemical systems: From biofilm-bearing anodes to specialized cathodes. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mier, Alicia A.; Olvera-Vargas, Hugo; Mejía-López, M.; Longoria, Adriana; Verea, Laura; Sebastian, P.J.; Arias, Dulce María
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 283(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Biocathodes -- Electroactive bacteria -- Microbial fuel cells -- Microbial electrolysis cell -- Proteobacteria; Bioelectrochemical systems BES -- microbial fuel cells MFC -- microbial electrolysis cells MEC -- electroactive bacteria EAB -- proton exchange membrane PEM -- MEC coupled to anaerobic digestion MEC-AD -- microbial desalination cells MDC -- plant-microbial fuel cells P-MFC -- constructed wetlands-microbial fuel cells CW-MFC -- benthic-microbial fuel cells B-MFC -- microbial electro-Fenton MEF -- extracellular electron transfer DEET -- ii) mediated extracellular electron transfer MEET -- anaerobic digestion AD -- heat-treated stainless steel felt HSSF -- activated carbon AC -- dissolved organic carbon DOC -- stainless steel SS -- oxygen reduction reaction ORR -- graphene oxide GO -- reduced graphene oxide rGO -- tetramethyl ammonium chloride TMACl -- tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide TMAOH -- wastewater treatment plant WWTP -- anodic exchange membrane AEM -- cation exchange membrane CEM -- photosynthetic microbial desalination cell PMDC -- tissue paper TP -- carbon fiber CF -- Constructed wetlands CW -- polypyrrole PPy -- polyaniline PANI -- electro fenton EF -- microbial reverse-electrodialysis electrolysis cell MREC -- microbial reverse-electrodialysis electrolysis cell coupled to EF MREC-EF -- Microbial desalination cell combined with Electro Fenton MDC-EF -- polypyrrole and anthraquinone-2, 6-disulfonate AQDS -- carbon nanotubes CNT -- chemical oxygen demand COD -- nano zero valent iron nZVI -- phosphate buffer solution PBS; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Bioelectrochemical systems (BES), mainly microbial fuel cells (MEC) and microbial electrolysis cells (MFC), are unique biosystems that use electroactive bacteria (EAB) to produce electrons in the form of electric energy for different applications. BES have attracted increasing attention as a sustainable, low-cost, and neutral-carbon option for energy production, wastewater treatment, and biosynthesis. Complex interactions between EAB and the electrode materials play a crucial role in system performance and scalability. The electron transfer processes from the EAB to the anode surface or from the cathode surface to the EAB have been the object of numerous investigations in BES, and the development of new materials to maximize energy production and overall performance has been a hot topic in the last years. The present review paper discusses the advances on innovative electrode materials for emerging BES, which include MEC coupled to anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD), Microbial Desalination Cells (MDC), plant-MFC (P-MFC), constructed wetlands-MFC (CW-MFC), and microbial electro-Fenton (BEF). Detailed insights on innovative electrode modification strategies to improve the electrode transfer kinetics on each emerging BES are provided. The effect of materials on microbial population is also discussed in this review. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities for materials scientists and engineers working in BES are presented at the end of this work aiming at scaling up and industrialization of such versatile systems. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Microbial electron transfer is still a major challenge in BES systems. New materials and surface modifications can improve the electrode/microbe interactions. Advances in electrodes materials for emerging BES are discussed. Interdisciplinary research is crucial to understand electrode/microbe interactions. The wide range of novel emerging BES is presented.