Effect of Anode Modification Using Green Synthesized Nanoparticles and Biowaste on Microbial Fuel Cell Performance

The application of microbial fuel cell is well explored by the research community. The major setback of this energy generation system is low and inconsistent energy production. The exoelectrogens can convert the given substrate into electrons, but the electrode has its limitation regarding the capturing of electrons. The application of nanoparticles as an electron-capturing material adhering on anode surface was evaluated in this study. The approach towards nanoparticle synthesis and the usage of biowaste as a recycled coating material was a novel aspect of the study. The growth and scanning electron microscopy analysis supported the observation that eggshell, a biowaste, was biocompatible. The coating of nanoparticles synthesized using green approach and eggshell on the electrode surface increased the voltage production by 138.06% (highest performance was noted at 172.498 ± 2.464 mW/m²). The electrochemical analysis (cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and continuous current monitoring) revealed that the internal resistance of coated anode reactor was reduced, which in turn increased the redox reaction and electron transfer.