Pyrolyzing pyrite and microalgae for enhanced anode performance in microbial fuel cells. (29th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, Xinhua; Cui, Yang; Liu, Lei
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 75(2021)
• Page Start: 37460
• Page End: 37468
• Publication Date: 2021-10-29
• Subjects: Microbial fuel cells -- Anode modification -- Microalgae -- Pyrite -- Pyrolysis; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.09.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Developing low-cost and high-performance anodes is of great significance for wider applications of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, microalgae and pyrite were co-pyrolyzed (P/MC) and then coated on carbon felt (CF) with PTFE as a binder. P/MC modification resulted in increased electroactive surface area, superhydrophilicity and higher biocompatibility. Besides, the P/MC-CF anode reduced the charge transfer resistance from 35.1 Ω to 11.4 Ω. The highest output voltage and the maximum power density of the MFC equipped with the P/MC-CF anode were 657 mV and 1266.7 mW/m 2, respectively, which were much larger than that of the MFC with the CF anode (530 mV, 556.7 mW/m 2 ). The P/MC-CF anode also displayed higher columbic efficiency (39.41%) than the CF anode (32.37%). This work suggests that pyrolyzing microalgae with pyrite is a promising method to enhance the performance of MFCs. Graphical abstract: Mixed pyrolysis product of microalga and pyrite is coated on carbon felt with PTFE as a binder. This modified anode accelerates anodic electron transfer, and consequently enhances MFCs performance. Image 1 Highlights: Pyrite and microalgae were pyrolyzed to obtain Fe, S and N co-doped carbon materials (P/MC). P/MC modification resulted in improved hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. FeS present in P/MC could facilitate anodic electron transfer. P/MC-CF reduced charger transfer resistance and enhanced power density in MFCs.