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Biomimetically synthesized nanoparticles (BMNPs) significantly enhance the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by >200% in terms of coulombic efficiency, maximum attainable power density, and overall energy yield.

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What they did

System
MFC

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Abstract

Studies are presented in the context of the past attempts at finding nanocatalysts that can boost the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) ? in terms of waste treatment and energy generation. Given the great potential of biomimetically synthesized nanoparticles (BMNPs) in providing less expensive and more environmentally friendly alternatives to NPs synthesized by physical and chemical methods, as well as a near-total lack of previous work in this area, the current research was undertaken. Effect of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized biomimetically using five freely available weeds, was assessed as catalysts in the MFCs. In all cases, the nanoparticles were seen to enhance the coulombic efficiency (reflective of the reduction in the waste’s organic carbon load), maximum attainable power density, and overall energy yield of the MFCs by >200% relative to the uncatalyzed MFCs. Gold nanoparticles were more effective than silver nanoparticles by ? 20%. The results reveal that biomimetically synthesized NPs can be highly effective in reducing the operational costs as well as ecological footprints of MFCs and further work should be focused on NPs of non-precious metals.

Key findings

  • Gold nanoparticles are more effective than silver nanoparticles by ~20% in enhancing MFC performance.
  • Biomimetically synthesized nanoparticles can reduce operational costs and ecological footprints of MFCs.
  • The use of non-precious metal nanoparticles is recommended for further research.

Keywords

Microbial fuel cellNanomaterial-based catalystFaraday efficiencyNanotechnologyContext (archaeology)Nanoparticle

Identifiers

DOI
10.46488/nept.2021.v20i05.003
Journal
Nature Environment and Pollution Technology
Year
2021