Influence of anode surface chemistry on microbial fuel cell operation

Schuler, Andrew J.; Atanassov, Plamen; Marsili, Enrico; Ista, Linnea; Cornejo, Jose A.; Artyushkova, Kateryna; Babanova, Sofia; Bretschger, Orianna; Santoro, Carlo

Abstract

© 2015 Elsevier B.V. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) modified gold anodes are used in single chamber microbial fuel cells for organic removal and electricity generation. Hydrophilic (N(CH3)3+, OH, COOH) and hydrophobic (CH3) SAMs are examined for their effect on bacterial attachment, current and power output. The different substratum chemistry affects the community composition of the electrochemically active biofilm formed and thus the current and power output. Of the four SAM-modified anodes tested, N(CH3)3+ results in the shortest start up time (15days), highest current achieved (225μAcm-2) and highest MFC power density (40μWcm-2), followed by COOH (150μAcm-2 and 37μWcm-2) and OH (83μAcm-2 and 27μWcm-2) SAMs. Hydrophobic SAM decreases electrochemically active bacteria attachment and anode performance in comparison to hydrophilic SAMs (CH3 modified anodes 7μAcm-2 anodic current and 1.2μWcm-2 MFC's power density). A consortium of Clostridia and δ-Proteobacteria is found on all the anode surfaces, suggesting a synergistic cooperation under anodic conditions.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 3, 2015
• Online Publication Date: May 5, 2015
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Apr 25, 2018
• Journal: Bioelectrochemistry
• Print ISSN: 1567-5394
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-562X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 106
• Pages: 141-149
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.05.002
• Keywords: microbial fuel cells, self assembled monolayer, surface modification, bioelectrocatalysis, anode biofilm analysis
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/834636
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.05.002
• Contract Date: Apr 25, 2018