Effect of CuO/ZnO/FTO electrode properties on the performance of a photo-microbial fuel cell sensor for the detection of heavy metals. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Yue; Hu, Xingxin; Tang, Lin; Peng, Bo; Tang, Jin; Zeng, Taotao; XunkuoZhang, ; Liu, Qian
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 302(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Microbial fuel cell -- Photocatalysis -- Heavy metal -- Self-powered -- Biosensor; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134779
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The development of sustainable, low-cost and responsive technology for heavy metals detection in wastewater is crucial. In this study, by combining CuO/ZnO photocathode with microbial anode, a novel photo-microbial fuel cell (PMFC) sensor was developed. The self-powered PMFC was performed under light and dark condition for heavy metals detection. Compared with MFC sensor, PMFC sensor showed a wider detection range (0.1–4 mg L −1 of Cd 2+ and 10–80 mg L −1 of Cu 2+ ). The improved performance in sensing limit and sensitivity was mainly attributed to the intimate P–N heterojunctions formed in CuO/ZnO, which accelerated the electron transport between the photocathode and the microbial anode. Besides, the toxicity of five heavy metals tested in PMFC was shown as Cd 2+ >Cr 6+ >Zn 2+ >Hg 2+ >Cu 2+ . This study has taken advantage of the characteristics of PMFC and facilitated its application in heavy metals detection, which provides a new approach for the development of biosensors. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel photo microbial fuel sensor was designed. The photo microbial fuel sensor was self-powered and repeatable. Synergistic interaction improved the detection sensitivity. The mechanism of the photo-microbial fuel cell sensor was proposed.