Abstract
Activated biochar utilizing Datura metel peel was synthesized using pyrolysis at 800oC and activated using KOH. The resulting biochar was investigated as an anode material in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa powered microbial fuel cell (MFC) utilizing acetate as the substrate for the first time. The average chemical oxygen demand (COD) elimination was 85.4% in closed circuit mode. The maximum power production was observed in MFC containing 1 mg/cm2 biochar impregnated anode with a peak power density measured at 584.2 mW/m2. The results of biochar characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) illustrates the presence of spherical globular texture which indicates the nano spherical structure of carbon nanoparticles in the biochar. The porous texture and interlinked characteristics of carbon nano-spheres can significantly enhance the diffusion of electrolyte ions. The confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results show a high number of cell biomass on 1 mg/cm2 biochar impregnated anode, indicating that 1 mg/cm2 biochar promotes enhanced biofilm formation. These results emphasize the utilization of biochar as electrodes in MFCs to allow for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity generation.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 102560 |
Journal | Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology |
Volume | 47 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2023 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Anode material
- Anode modification
- Biochar
- Microbial fuel cell
- Power generation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
- Bioengineering
- Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Agronomy and Crop Science