Innovative multi‐processed N‐doped carbon and Fe ₃ O ₄ cathode for enhanced bioelectro‐Fenton microbial fuel cell performance

Abstract

Summary A novel bioelectro‐Fenton microbial fuel cell (BEF‐MFC) cathode has been fabricated by modification of electrode using multi‐processing of nitrogen‐doped carbon (NDC)/nano‐Fe3O4 method with the aims of cost‐effectiveness, high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiency, and power performance enhancement. In this study, BEF‐MFC with carbon cloth (CC) cathode pyrolyzed with NDC‐M100/Fe3O4 at 700°C achieved higher ORR activity compared with the commercial Pt/C under same operational conditions. It also exhibited excellent crystalline structure according to high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) analysis. Moreover, using NDCN/Fe3O4 can facilitate further Fenton‐like reaction for the treatment of wastewater. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of the reactor was 78% with maximum power density of 1.57 W/m3 in 216 hours. Thus, an innovative multi‐processing method with feasibility for enhanced wastewater treatment and improved power performance of the MFC was investigated. This can be effectively applied in related alternative energy production techniques and bio‐electrochemical systems in the future.

NiSFeS/N, S co‐doped carbon hybrid: Synergistic effect between NiS and FeS facilitating electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction

“…As concluded from Raman and XPS results, there is abundant graphitic and N, S co-doped carbon, which owns high electrical conductivity and can improve the charge transfer efficiency of electrocatalysts. 45,46 The contents of highly-conductive carbon species in the prepared samples follow a similar trend to that of charge transfer efficiency. It indicates that the highest degree of graphitization and content of N, S co-doped carbon in Ni60Fe40 S/NSC contributes much to its superior charge transfer efficiency during OER.…”

“…The R ct values increase with the Ni/Fe feeding molar ratio further decreasing from 60/40 to 40/60 (Figure S10B), indicating the decrease of charge transfer efficiency. As concluded from Raman and XPS results, there is abundant graphitic and N, S co‐doped carbon, which owns high electrical conductivity and can improve the charge transfer efficiency of electrocatalysts 45,46 . The contents of highly‐conductive carbon species in the prepared samples follow a similar trend to that of charge transfer efficiency.…”

Synergistic advancements in sewage-driven microbial fuel cells: novel carbon nanotube cathodes and biomass-derived anodes for efficient renewable energy generation and wastewater treatment

“…Platinum has historically been the go-to catalyst for the ORR in MFCs due to its exceptional efficiency. While platinum (Pt)-based materials remain the benchmark for ORR catalysis, their drawbacks-such as limited availability, elevated costs, poor durability, and susceptibility to poisoninginduced inactivation-have prompted a fervent exploration of more sustainable alternatives (Wu et al, 2019;Xu et al, 2019;Zhang et al, 2021b). In this context, researchers are increasingly focusing on the development of advanced, cost-effective materials to supplant Pt-based counterparts.…”

Preparation and Application of Fe-N Co-Doped GNR@CNT Cathode Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalyst in Microbial Fuel Cells

“…Platinum (Pt)-based materials are still the most efficient ORR catalysts at present, despite their shortcomings, such as low reserves, high cost, poor durability, and inactivation caused by poisoning. Given these disadvantages of the noble metal catalysts, numerous scientists are exploring advanced, low-cost materials to replace Pt-based materials [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. In particular, carbon-based electrocatalysts containing Fe and N elements (Fe-N/C) have been widely used as the most promising alternatives to noble metal Pt, due to the similar catalytic activity and abundant precursor species [ 18 , 19 ].…”