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Biogenic TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and applied to a graphite sheet cathode in a microbial fuel cell to enhance oxygen reduction reaction kinetics and power generation.

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What they did

System
MFC

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Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) use microorganisms to break down organic matter and generate power, which is an exciting new field of research. MFCs’ power generation relies on oxygen reduction (ORR) at the cathode. However, the slow kinetics of the ORR can severely limit the performance of MFCs. Additionally, the growth of biofilm on the cathode hampers the ORR process. In order to ensure the sustainability of MFCs over time, it is crucial to employ bifunctional catalysts that can address these issues. Biogenic titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and applied to a graphite sheet cathode in this study. Cyanobacteria, Phormidium species NCCU-104, was used to bio-fabricate titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. NPs were characterized using SEM and TEM analysis to determine their size, shape, surface morphology, and XRD. The particles had an average size of 18.11 nm, were spherical, and were well-dispersed, according to the results of the physicochemical characterization. TiO2 NPs were evaluated in MFC using different concentrations (0.5–2.5 mg/cm²) in the cathode to generate electricity and coulombic efficiency. MFC with a cathode impregnated with 2.0 mg/cm² TiO2 NP produced maximum power density (15.2 W/m³), which was 38% more than 0.5 mg/cm² TiO2 NP. The overall study results indicated that biogenic TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) could be an effective and low-cost catalyst in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and significantly improve biofouling. Due to its efficient and affordable contribution to the ORR, these results imply that biogenic TiO2 NPs might be a feasible alternative for improving the performance of MFCs.

Key findings

  • Biogenic TiO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 18.11 nm showed improved ORR kinetics and power generation in MFC.
  • The use of TiO2 nanoparticles at a concentration of 2.0 mg/cm² resulted in a significant increase in coulombic efficiency.
  • The study demonstrated the potential of biogenic TiO2 nanoparticles as a bifunctional catalyst for MFCs.

Keywords

Microbial fuel cellCathodeTitanium dioxideFaraday efficiencyChemical engineeringNanoparticle

Identifiers

DOI
10.3390/catal13060937
Journal
Catalysts
Year
2023