Green Nanocomposite Electrodes/Electrolytes for Microbial Fuel Cells—Cutting-Edge Technology

Abstract

Fuel cell efficiency can be improved by using progressive electrodes and electrolytes. Green nanomaterials and green technologies have been explored for the manufacturing of high-performance electrode and electrolyte materials for fuel cells. Platinum-based electrodes have been replaced with green materials and nanocomposites using green fabrication approaches to attain environmentally friendly fuel cells. In this regard, ecological and sustainable electrode- and electrolyte-based membrane electrode assemblies have also been designed. Moreover, green nanocomposites have been applied to form the fuel cell electrolyte membranes. Among fuel cells, microbial fuel cells have gained research attention for the incorporation of green and sustainable materials. Hence, this review essentially focuses on the potential of green nanocomposites as fuel cell electrode and electrolyte materials and application of green synthesis techniques to attain these materials. The design of and interactions with nanocomposites have led to synergistic effects on the morphology, impedance, resistance, power density, current density, electrochemical features, proton conductivity, and overall efficiency. Moreover, we deliberate the future significance and challenges of the application of green nanocomposites in electrodes and electrolytes to attain efficient fuel cells.

Empowering Energy Storage Using Graphene and Its Derivatives

“…Multiple research have provided evidence that the use of graphene-based materials for the purpose of augmenting fuel cell performance may provide substantial enhancements in energy efficiency [25]. It has been shown, for example, that GO-based nanocomposites can be used as cathode materials in PEMFCs to improve their performance and durability, as shown in a study by Kausar, A. et al [26]. As a similar study by Facure, M. H. M. et al [27] demonstrated, the use of GQD-based nanocomposites as electrode materials in DMFCs improved the power density as well as the stability of the device in comparison to conventional electrode materials.…”

Outline of microbial fuel cells technology and their significant developments, challenges, and prospects of oxygen reduction electrocatalysts

“…The simultaneous treatment of wastewater during the electricity generation and the removal of metals such as chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc has gained additional importance regarding the environmental benefits (Nancharaiah et al, 2015;Hidayat et al, 2022). There are several review articles available very recently which include the focusing on functional materials (Zhu Q. et al, 2022), graphene-based materials (Aiswaria et al, 2022), carbonaceous materials (Dhilllon et al, 2022), nanomaterials (Chen et al, 2022b;Kamali et al, 2022;Dey et al, 2023;Kausar et al, 2023), anodic modification materials (Ma et al, 2023), and different types of MFCs (Gupta et al, 2023). Because the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics is one of the main obstacles, the review which draws attention to choosing the suitable cathode materials should be urgent for the practical applications of the MFC technology.…”

Biosensors Based on Microbial Fuel Cells: A Brief Review

“…MFC is a bioelectrochemical device that can generate energy by using electrons obtained from anaerobic substrate oxidation [9][10][11]. MFC technology has received a lot of interest in recent years [12][13][14][15][16][17].…”