Green Nanocomposite Electrodes/Electrolytes for Microbial Fuel Cells—Cutting-Edge Technology

Abstract

Fuel cell efficiency can be improved by using progressive electrodes and electrolytes. Green nanomaterials and green technologies have been explored for the manufacturing of high-performance electrode and electrolyte materials for fuel cells. Platinum-based electrodes have been replaced with green materials and nanocomposites using green fabrication approaches to attain environmentally friendly fuel cells. In this regard, ecological and sustainable electrode- and electrolyte-based membrane electrode assemblies have also been designed. Moreover, green nanocomposites have been applied to form the fuel cell electrolyte membranes. Among fuel cells, microbial fuel cells have gained research attention for the incorporation of green and sustainable materials. Hence, this review essentially focuses on the potential of green nanocomposites as fuel cell electrode and electrolyte materials and application of green synthesis techniques to attain these materials. The design of and interactions with nanocomposites have led to synergistic effects on the morphology, impedance, resistance, power density, current density, electrochemical features, proton conductivity, and overall efficiency. Moreover, we deliberate the future significance and challenges of the application of green nanocomposites in electrodes and electrolytes to attain efficient fuel cells.

Key findings

• ▸Green nanocomposites have been shown to improve the morphology, impedance, and resistance of fuel cell electrodes.
• ▸The use of green synthesis techniques has led to the development of high-performance electrode and electrolyte materials.
• ▸Microbial fuel cells incorporating green nanocomposites have demonstrated improved power density, current density, and electrochemical features.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.3390/jcs7040166

Journal

Journal of Composites Science

Year

2023