Low-cost nanowired α-MnO₂/C as an ORR catalyst in air-cathode microbial fuel cell

In this work, low cost α-MnO₂ nanowires and α-MnO₂ nanowires supported on carbon Vulcan (α-MnO₂/C) have been synthesized via a simple and facile hydrothermal method for application in microbial fuel cells. The prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Electrocatalytic activities of the samples have been evaluated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a neutral phosphate buffer solution. EIS was performed at different potentials to gain further insight into the kinetic properties of α-MnO₂/C. Both catalysts were used in air cathode microbial fuel cells to achieve power densities of 180 and 111 mWm^-2 for α-MnO₂/C and pristine α-MnO₂ nanowires, respectively. α-MnO2/C functions as a good and economical alternative for Pt free catalysts in practical MFC applications, as shown by the findings of stability test and voltage generation cycles in long-term operation of MFC.