Integration of carbide lime substrate for enhanced energy recovery and dye decomposition in plant-microbial fuel cell coupled with cupric oxide/carbon cathode

Abstract

In this study, an innovative and efficient carbide lime-assisted plant-microbial fuel cell (Ca-P-MFC) system was developed for treating dyestuff effluent and generating electricity. This system featured a carbon brush anode and a cupric oxide/carbon (CuO/C) cathode. The Ca-P-MFC system revealed outstanding performance compared to both the P-MFC and CW systems. At a carbide lime loading of 200 mg L −1 , the Ca-P-MFC system achieved an impressive methylene blue decomposition efficiency of 86.6% and a maximum power density ( P ) of 60.2 mW m −2 . The improved performance can be attributed to the incorporation of carbide lime, which promoted microbial reactions extending from the electrode surfaces throughout the operational area of the system. Furthermore, carbide lime served as an effective electron carrier, facilitating electron transfer across the system. The optimal loading of carbide lime was systematically evaluated in the developed Ca-P-MFC system, providing comprehensive insights into the mechanism of P-MFC.

Key findings

• ▸The Ca-P-MFC system achieved a methylene blue decomposition efficiency of 86.6% and a maximum power density of 60.2 mW m⁻² at a carbide lime loading of 200 mg L⁻¹.
• ▸The incorporation of carbide lime promoted microbial reactions and facilitated electron transfer across the system.
• ▸The optimal loading of carbide lime was found to be 200 mg L⁻¹, providing the best performance in the Ca-P-MFC system.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1051/e3sconf/202560301028

Journal

E3S Web of Conferences

Year

2024