Renewable Coffee Waste-Derived Porous Carbons as Anode Materials for High-Performance Sustainable Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a sustainable technology that can produce electrons using microbes. However, low power density and high cost are the two major issues that hamper the development of MFCs. In this study, we demonstrated that renewable coffee waste-derived activated carbons (CWACs) can serve as anode materials in Escherichia coli system-based MFCs. By modifying the CWAC pore size, we achieved a power density of 3927 mW m–2, which was higher than that of commercial activated carbon (975 mW m–2). The enhanced power density of the CWAC was attributed to its high conductivity and suitable pore size distribution, which led to fast electron transfer and bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, the long-term performance of the MFC with the CWAC anode was investigated; it continuously functioned for more than 100 h at a power density of 2000 mW m–2 without any further nutrient resupply. These results indicate that CWAC is a promising anode material for renewable and sustainable energy systems that could significantly reduce the device cost.

Cellulose Derived Graphene/Polyaniline Nanocomposite Anode for Energy Generation and Bioremediation of Toxic Metals via Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells

“…The Nyquist-EIS design was studied in the 100 kHz to 100 mHz frequency range with 1.00 mV AC amplitude. It reduced the biofilm disturbance during EIS analysis and stopped the biofilm detachment effect [ 54 ]. Figure 9 shows the observed Nyquist-EIS plot for the GO and GO-PANI anodes, which were affected by kinetic reaction and diffusion with solution resistance (R s ) and charge-transfer resistance (R ct ).…”

Recent Advances in Anodes for Microbial Fuel Cells: An Overview

“…For example, it is an eco-friendly method, no harmful gases are generated during preparation, the product has an organized structure, and a larger amount of product is provided. Recently, Hung et al [48] used a renewable waste coffee-based anode to enhance the power density in MFCs. The authors converted waste materials into valuable carbonized materials and applied them as an anode in an MFC by reducing waste from the environment.…”

Outlook on the Role of Microbial Fuel Cells in Remediation of Environmental Pollutants with Electricity Generation

“…The results showed power densities in case of SMFC and DMFC i.e., 872.7 mW/m 2 and 1468.85 mW/m 2 . Recently, Hung et al [155] studied coffee waste-derived carbon anode and obtained the 3927 mW/m 2 power density. This study demonstrated that the high quality of an electrode can increase the energy generation to meet the energy requirement via MFC approach.…”