Abstract
The microbial fuel cell (MFC) efficiency was assessed by using biochar electrode. Electrodes were made of silicon (Si0.4), zinc (Zn0.4), and copper (Cu0.4) in 40% proportions mixed with derived waste coconut shell (CS) biochar materials after the carbonization process. The specific surface area of CS-Si0.4 (0.1920 m2 g−1), CS-Zn0.4 (0.2025 m2 g−1), and CS-Cu0.4 (0.2532 m2 g−1) is higher when compared to Graphite Particle (GP) (0.2165 m2 g−1). Electrodes’ power production outputs were CS-Si0.4 ((19.22 ± 0.5) mW m−2), CS-Zn0.4 ((26.40 ± 0.6) mW m−2), and CS-Cu0.4 ((47.04 ± 0.5) mW m−2) similar to GP ((32 ± 0.5) mW m−2). Experimental results show that the CS-Cu0.4 electrode provides maximum power output and efficiency. The inclusion of metals will increase surface area of biochar electrodes, and it increases the microbial fuel cell efficiency. The CS-Cu0.4 electrodes are therefore feasible, biocompatible, and cost-effective for environmentally sustainable systems.
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