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Parameters characterization and optimization of activated carbon (AC) cathodes for microbial fuel cell application
Carlo Santoro1, Kateryna Artyushkova2, Sofia Babanova2
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; C2E2 - Center for Clean Energy Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Department of Chemical & Nuclear Engineering, Center for Emerging Energy Technologies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Optimizing activated carbon (AC) fabrication for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) involves specific pressure and heat treatment. The best performing AC cathodes for oxygen reduction were produced under 1400 psi and 150-200°C heat treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Activated carbon (AC) is a widely researched, cost-effective material for catalyzing oxygen reduction reactions.
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable energy generation method, with cathode performance being a critical factor.
- Optimizing AC-based cathode fabrication is essential for enhancing MFC efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fabrication parameters on activated carbon (AC) cathode performance in microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
- To determine the optimal applied pressure and heat treatment temperature for AC cathode fabrication.
- To correlate changes in surface morphology and chemistry with cathode performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of AC-based cathodes under varying applied pressures (175-3500 psi) and treatment temperatures (25-343°C).
- Performance evaluation using a three-electrode setup and single-chamber membraneless MFCs (SCMFCs).
- Analysis of surface morphology and chemistry to understand performance variations.
Main Results:
- The optimal AC cathode performance was achieved with an applied pressure of 1400 psi and a heat treatment of 150-200°C for 1 hour.
- Applied pressure and heat treatment significantly influenced the transfer resistance, surface morphology, and surface chemistry of AC cathodes.
- These modifications directly impacted the electrochemical performance of the electrodes and the overall SCMFCs.
Conclusions:
- Fabrication conditions, specifically applied pressure and heat treatment temperature, are critical for optimizing AC cathode performance in MFCs.
- Understanding the relationship between fabrication parameters, surface properties, and performance enables the design of more efficient AC-based cathodes.
- This research provides a pathway for developing cost-effective and high-performance cathodes for microbial fuel cell applications.
