Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...

Microbes and Methanogenesis

Microbes and Methanogenesis

Methanogenesis is a critical microbial process in anaerobic ecosystems responsible for the biological production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and valuable biofuel. This metabolic pathway is primarily facilitated by methanogenic archaea, which thrive in anoxic environments such as wetlands, sediments, and animal gastrointestinal tracts. The absence of oxygen in these habitats prevents aerobic respiration, thereby favoring alternative biochemical pathways for organic matter degradation.In...

Microbial Mats

Microbial Mats

Microbial communities forming biofilms and mats represent complex, spatially structured ecosystems where metabolic processes are stratified according to light, oxygen, and nutrient gradients. Biofilms are initial colonization stages, only a few millimeters thick, while mature microbial mats can reach centimeter-scale thickness and display intricate vertical organization. Their structural and functional heterogeneity allows microorganisms to occupy distinct ecological niches within a few...

Biofuels

Biofuels

The microbial conversion of organic matter into biofuels holds potential as a renewable energy source. Among biofuel sources, microalgae are recognized as a highly efficient and adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production, owing to their rapid biomass accumulation, elevated lipid productivity, and capacity to proliferate in diverse aquatic systems, including freshwater, marine, and wastewater habitats. Unlike terrestrial crops, microalgae do not compete for land and can achieve significantly...

Batteries and Fuel Cells

Batteries and Fuel Cells

A battery is a galvanic cell that is used as a source of electrical power for specific applications. Modern batteries exist in a multitude of forms to accommodate various applications, from tiny button batteries such as those that power wristwatches to the very large batteries used to supply backup energy to municipal power grids. Some batteries are designed for single-use applications and cannot be recharged (primary cells), while others are based on conveniently reversible cell reactions that...

Microbial Leaching

Microbial Leaching

Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Co-removal of norfloxacin and Cr(VI) by Co/N-doped carbon activating peroxymonosulfate: <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub> oxidation coupled with interfacial electron transfer.

Environmental research·2026

Same author

A speech prediction model based on codec modeling and transformer decoding.

Computer speech & language·2026

Same author

Colocalization of eQTLs With Type 2 Diabetes and Glycemic Traits Using Whole-Genome Sequences in Diverse Populations From the NHLBI Trans-Omics in Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program.

Diabetes·2026

Same author

Embodied Transboundary Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Mitigation Opportunities of over 700 Belt and Road Initiative Projects.

Environmental science & technology·2026

Same author

Topology of the Generalized Brillouin Zone of One-Dimensional Models.

Physical review letters·2026

Same author

Data-Driven Identification of Constraints and Enabling Pathways for Energy-Positive Wastewater Treatment.

Environmental science & technology·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Published on: December 29, 2013

Graphitic biochar as a cathode electrocatalyst support for microbial fuel cells.

Tyler M Huggins¹, Jeremy J Pietron², Heming Wang³

¹Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; US Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave. S.W., Code 6100, Washington, DC 20375, USA.

Bioresource Technology

|July 5, 2015

Summary

Graphitic biochar, modified with manganese oxide, shows promise as a low-cost cathode material for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This biochar-based catalyst effectively supports oxygen reduction reactions, enhancing MFC performance.

Keywords:

Biochar Manganese oxide Microbial fuel cell O(2) reduction Renewable

More Related Videos

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Published on: June 1, 2018

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization

Published on: December 29, 2013

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

Published on: June 1, 2018

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site

Published on: July 24, 2018

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Electrochemistry
Environmental Science

Background:

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) require efficient and cost-effective cathode materials for oxygen reduction reactions.
Biochar derived from biomass presents a sustainable alternative to conventional carbon supports.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and evaluate graphitic biochar (BC) as a support for manganese oxide catalysts in MFC air cathodes.
To investigate the performance of biochar-supported manganese oxide in oxygen reduction reactions and MFC power generation.

Main Methods:

Graphitic biochar (BCw) was produced from wood biomass via gasification and alkaline treatment.
Nano-structured manganese oxide (MnO2) was immobilized onto BCw, forming MnO/BCw.
Electrochemical characterization (cyclic voltammetry) and MFC performance tests were conducted.

Main Results:

MnO2 crystals were successfully immobilized on graphitic sheets.
MnO/BCw exhibited electrochemical features of β-MnO2 with a current density of 0.9 mA cm⁻².
Biochar-based cathodes achieved satisfactory maximum power densities in MFCs, comparable to commercial carbon supports.

Conclusions:

Graphitic biochar is a viable, low-cost, and scalable material for MFC air cathodes.
Manganese oxide-supported biochar demonstrates effective oxygen reduction reaction catalysis.
This approach offers a sustainable pathway for enhancing MFC technology.