Evaluation of the Datura peels derived biochar-based Anode for enhancing power output in microbial fuel cell application. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vempaty, Anusha; Kumar, Ankit; Pandit, Soumya; Gupta, Meenal; Mathuriya, Abhilasha Singh; Lahiri, Dibyajit; Nag, Moupriya; Kumar, Yogesh; Joshi, Sanket; Kumar, Navin
• Is Part Of: Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology. Number 47(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Biochar -- Anode material -- Anode modification -- Microbial fuel cell -- Power generation; Agricultural biotechnology -- Periodicals; Enzymes -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1878-8181

Abstract

Abstract: Activated biochar utilizing Datura metel peel was synthesized using pyrolysis at 800 o C and activated using KOH. The resulting biochar was investigated as an anode material in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa powered microbial fuel cell (MFC) utilizing acetate as the substrate for the first time. The average chemical oxygen demand (COD) elimination was 85.4% in closed circuit mode. The maximum power production was observed in MFC containing 1 mg/cm 2 biochar impregnated anode with a peak power density measured at 584.2 mW/m 2 . The results of biochar characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) illustrates the presence of spherical globular texture which indicates the nano spherical structure of carbon nanoparticles in the biochar. The porous texture and interlinked characteristics of carbon nano-spheres can significantly enhance the diffusion of electrolyte ions. The confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results show a high number of cell biomass on 1 mg/cm 2 biochar impregnated anode, indicating that 1 mg/cm 2 biochar promotes enhanced biofilm formation. These results emphasize the utilization of biochar as electrodes in MFCs to allow for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity generation . Graphical abstract: Image 1