Integration of cost-efficient carbon electrodes into the development of microbial fuel cells

You, Jiseon; Gajda, Iwona; Greenman, John; Ieropoulos, Ioannis A.

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells are a renewable energy technology that can generate electricity from organic fuel such as wastewater, whilst simultaneously treating it. In order to implement this technology at larger scale, a major challenge is the choice of suitable electrode material that determines system performance and cost. This chapter discusses carbon-based electrodes and characteristics of carbonaceous materials that are both high performing and cost-effective in light of the technology implementation at larger scale for practical applications. The focus is on the most recent findings and incorporation of lightweight, robust and biocompatible carbon fibre electrodes in the form of carbon veil both as the anode and cathode counterparts and their suitability in larger scale designs. The chapter also presents modification strategies of this substratum with microparticles such as activated carbon as another cost-effective approach that may assist in bringing this technology closer to market.

• Online Publication Date: Jan 1, 2022
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 20, 2022
• Publisher: Springer
• Pages: 43-57
• Book Title: Nanoporous Carbons for Soft and Flexible Energy Devices
• ISBN: 9783030818265
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81827-2_3
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8659265
• Additional Information: First Online: 1 January 2022
• Contract Date: Jan 1, 2022