Co-Doped Zeolite–GO Nanocomposite as a High-Performance ORR Catalyst for Sustainable Bioelectricity Generation in Air-Cathode Single-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract

High-performance cobalt (Co) nanoparticles supported on a zeolite–graphene oxide (1:2) matrix (catalyst Z2) are synthesized through a facile reduction method. In multipoint Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (MBET) surface area analysis, catalyst Z2 demonstrates a higher surface area compared with other synthesized catalysts, indicating the presence of a larger number of catalytic active sites, and supports outstanding ORR performance due to an improved electron-transfer rate and a higher number of redox-active sites. Furthermore, it is observed that catalyst Z2 is an excellent electrocatalytic material due to its low charge-transfer resistance and higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. Herein, the electrocatalytic investigation suggests that catalyst Z2 at a potential of 483 mV and a reduction current of −0.382 mA displays a higher electrocatalytic performance and higher stability toward ORR compared with other synthesized catalysts and even the standard Pt/C catalyst. Also, when catalyst Z2 is applied as an air-cathode ORR electrocatalyst for a single-chambered microbial fuel cell (SC-MFC), the SC-MFC coated with catalyst Z2 generates the maximum power density of 416.78 mW/m2, which is 306% higher than that of SC-MFC coated with Pt/C (102.67 mW/m2). In fact, the longer stability and electronic conductivity have contributed to an outstanding ORR activity of the nanocomposite due to its porous surface morphology and the presence of the functional groups in the zeolite–GO support matrix. In brief, Co (cobalt) nanoparticles doped on a zeolite–GO (1:2) support matrix are promising cathode electrocatalysts in the practical application of MFCs and other related devices.

Synthesis of a carbon-wrapped microsphere MoO2/Mo2C heterojunction as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction

“…4, the I D / I G of MoO 2 /Mo 2 C/C was 1.75, which was higher than the I D / I G (1.39) of the MoO 2 /Mo 2 C and the I D / I G (1.06) of Vulcan XC-72R, which indicated that the composition of the transition metal compound MoO 2 /Mo 2 C did improve the ORR electron transfer ability of the MoO 2 /Mo 2 C/C. 29,30…”

Future Perspectives on Zeolite/Graphene Oxide Composite Synthesis and Applications

“…Silicalite zeolite, having slit-like mesopores (size of 2.0 to 2.5 nm), has also been developed by the addition of graphene oxide nanosheets throughout the synthesis and subsequent calcination of synthesized samples. − Cationic polyelectrolyte functionalized GO was synthesized by the hard template method via incorporation of poly­(diallyl dimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) into GO, which leads to the formation of slit-like mesopores throughout both sides of the GO surface. The synthesized nanoporous zeolite-Y and zeolite-Y/GO nanocomposites were then examined for their water adsorption capacity. − …”

Microbial-Inspired Surface Patterning for Selective Bacterial Actions for Enhanced Performance in Microbial Fuel Cells

“…Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) are devices which contain microorganisms to donate or accept electrons from an electrode. The performance of any BES is affected by many factors, where microbes and anodes play a very crucial role. , The extent of microbial–electrode interaction is the rate-limiting factor that determines the performance of the BES. In regard to enhanced microbial activity and extracellular electron transfer (EET), a desired anode with selective adhesion of microbes and that provides more sites for microbial adhesion and electron transfer is mandatory .…”