A new modification method of metal substrates via candle soot to prepare effective anodes in air‐cathode microbial fuel cells

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDChoosing applicable anodes can effectively promote the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This study introduced a novel method to prepare effective metal‐based anodes modified by carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) derived from candle soot. The CNPs can be firmly coated on the metal and the modified metal surfaces show good hydrophilicity.RESULTSThis study used titanium mesh, stainless steel sheet and copper sheet as the anode's substrate, respectively. CNPs could improve the biocompatibility and electrochemical properties of these metals. The power generation performance of MFCs with CNP‐modified anodes has been dramatically enhanced, and the maximum power density is 616 mW m−2 in MFCs with CNP‐modified titanium mesh anode.CONCLUSIONAfter CNP modification, the rough surface and excellent biocompatibility could promote the attachment and growth of microorganisms, which may be the main reasons for the improvement of MFC performance. Besides, this method is suitable to modify different metal substrates. The results showed that the CNP‐coated metal anodes could improve the power output of MFCs compared to pure metal anodes. Therefore, this method has significant advantages in the practical application of MFCs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).