Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) hold great promise as an alternative for direct biochemical energy extraction from both biomass and wastewater. However, the commercialization and scaling-up of MFCs is not completely feasible, due to the high price of platinum (Pt) as a cathode catalyst. In this paper, we studied the use of a carbon nanotube (CNT) composite catalyst, to reduce the amount of Pt (without decline of efficiency) for moving towards the commercialization of MFCs. CNT/Pt composite electrodes would increase MFC power output by 8.7-32.2%; with respect to the pristine Pt as a catalyst for the cathode at a chemical oxygen demand (COD) substrate of 100. mg/l and 2000. mg/l, respectively. Moreover, the amount of Pt in the CNT/Pt electrode could be reduced by up to 25% of the amount necessary for a conventional Pt/carbon electrode.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1050-1056 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Applied Energy |
Volume | 102 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carbon nanotube
- Microbial fuel cell
- Nanocomposite electrode
- Platinum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Building and Construction
- Energy(all)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law