Use of industrial waste to synthesize novel electrode and membrane materials for microbial electrochemical technologies

Abstract

The escalating environmental degradation resulting from an exponential growth in waste generation and improper disposal practices necessitates immediate consideration and innovative solutions. The concept of a circular economy, which emphasizes the potential of solid wastes to be transformed into valuable raw materials, offers a promising approach to address this pressing issue. In this chapter, we explore the transformation of industrial waste into electrode and membrane materials for microbial electrochemical technologies (METs). Various synthetic techniques have been identified, enabling the conversion of industrial waste into viable materials for METs. The proposed framework encompasses critical aspects, including waste pre-treatment, raw material extraction, fabrication, and characterization processes, as well as the performance evaluation of electrodes and membranes derived from waste sources. We thoroughly examine the advantages and limitations associated with waste-derived electrodes and membranes, providing valuable insights into their potential applications and challenges. By harnessing waste resources for electrode and membrane production, we not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also advance toward greener practices and a more sustainable future. The favorable material properties inherent in waste resources and the availability of suitable processing facilities render this approach particularly promising. This chapter elucidates the vast potential of using industrial waste to synthesize novel electrode and membrane materials for METs. By adopting a circular economy mindset and promoting waste recycling and reutilization, we can achieve significant benefits in terms of environmental preservation and resource optimization. The integration of waste-derived materials into METs paves the way for a more sustainable and efficient approach to address environmental challenges.

Key findings

• ▸Industrial waste can be converted into viable materials for METs using various synthetic techniques.
• ▸The proposed framework for waste-derived electrode and membrane production includes waste pre-treatment, raw material extraction, fabrication, and characterization processes.
• ▸Waste-derived electrodes and membranes have advantages and limitations, including potential applications and challenges in METs.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.2166/9781789063813_0225

Journal

Resource Recovery from Industrial Wastewater through Microbial Electrochemical Technologies

Year

2024