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Effects of Different Biological Carriers in Microbial Fuel Cells
Xiuli Zhang1,2, Xiao Li1, Qingjie Guo1,3
1Key Laboratory of Clean Chemical Processing of Shandong Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, Shandong, China.
ACS Omega
|September 9, 2020
Summary
Adding coal semicoke-activated carbon and graphite to microbial fuel cells significantly reduces startup time and enhances power generation and wastewater treatment. The 0.275 mm activated carbon achieved 95% chemical oxygen demand removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Electrochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment and energy generation.
- Enhancing MFC performance, particularly startup time and efficiency, is crucial for practical applications.
- Investigating novel anode materials can significantly improve MFC operational parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of coal semicoke granular-activated carbon, granular graphite, and walnut shell-activated carbon on MFC performance.
- To determine the optimal activated carbon particle size for enhanced power generation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) degradation.
- To assess the effect of these materials on MFC startup time and overall treatment capacity.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of coal semicoke granular-activated carbon, granular graphite, and walnut shell-activated carbon into the anode compartment of MFCs.
- Monitoring of open-circuit voltage, COD degradation efficiency, and removal rates across different systems.
- Comparison of MFC performance with varying activated carbon particle sizes (0.275 mm and 0.55 mm).
Main Results:
- Addition of activated carbon and graphite significantly decreased MFC startup time, with coal semicoke-activated carbon fluidized bed MFCs (MGAC-MFCs) showing the shortest duration.
- The 0.275 mm activated carbon yielded a maximum open-circuit voltage of 935 mV and 95% COD degradation efficiency, shortening the operation cycle.
- MGAC-MFC systems achieved the highest COD removal rates (up to 93%) compared to other tested configurations.
Conclusions:
- Coal semicoke-activated carbon and graphite are effective materials for enhancing MFC electrical performance and wastewater treatment capacity.
- Optimized activated carbon particle size (0.275 mm) is critical for maximizing voltage output and COD removal efficiency.
- The integration of these materials presents a promising strategy for improving the efficiency and practicality of sewage treatment MFCs.
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