Cauliflower‐like polypyrrole@MnO2 modified carbon cloth as a capacitive anode for high‐performance microbial fuel cells

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe morphology and size of MnO2 that deposited on a carbon clothelectrode have dramatic effects on the electrochemical properties and cycling life. Currently, MnO2 and its composite structures with zero‐dimensional (0D) nanospheres, one‐dimension (1D) nanotubes and two‐dimension (2D) nanomesh have been successfully synthesized and employed in MFC. Hence, the development of a three‐dimensional (3D) flexible, cost‐effective and high‐performance anode is of great significance for microbial energy harvesting.RESULTHerein, we have fabricated 3D cauliflower‐like polypyrrole@manganese dioxide (PPy@MnO2) composites, which are successfully grown on carbon cloth (CC) anode by electrodeposition to promote the power production and storage in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Impressively, the as‐prepared PPy@MnO2 modified CC anode delivers a power density of 2139.7 ± 17.5 mW m−2 and produces an areal capacitance of 1120 ± 12.8 mF cm−2, which is 3.58 and 4.84 folds higher than that with bare CC anode, benefiting from the unique cauliflower‐like 3D architecture with increased active centers that host the bacteria for more efficient charge transfer. Electrochemical analyses indicate that the PPy@MnO2 modified CC electrode has excellent electrochemical activity, capacitive behavior and long‐term cyclabilities with smooth surface morphology and high porosity.CONCLUSIONThese findings not only provide a facile electrodeposition strategy for PPy@MnO2 nanoflowers modified CC anode, but also demonstrates its potential for the production and storage of energy simultaneously in MFC application. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry