Design and Characterization of a Conductive Cellulose Nanocomposite Anode for Enhancement of Microbial Fuel Cell Efficiency

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gained a significant amount of interest in the pursuit of alternative energy sources. Current research has investigated the optimization of maximum power production via the development of novel carbon-based electrodes to reduce cost and increase efficiency. This research focused on the development of a biomimetic cellulose-based electrode containing a nanocomposite conductive polymer matrix which has shown to improve biofilm stability and electron transfer. More specifically the incorporation of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) enhances microbial adsorption and biofilm formation via increased docking efficiency. Furthermore, the addition of a conducting polymer has enhanced electron transfer throughout the composite medium. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and open circuit potential (OCP) measurements were correlated to microbial fuel cell performance to further validate the role of biofilm formation and the electron transfer process. Additionally, the mechanisms of individual cellular adhesion and its role in electron transfer were probed using epifluorescent optical tweezers coupled with OCP measurement.

Key findings

• ▸Incorporation of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) enhances microbial adsorption and biofilm formation.
• ▸Addition of a conducting polymer enhances electron transfer throughout the composite medium.
• ▸Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and open circuit potential (OCP) measurements correlated to microbial fuel cell performance.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1149/ma2018-01/38/2261

Journal

ECS Meeting Abstracts

Year

2018