Evaluation of the algal-derived biochar as an anode modifier in microbial fuel cells

Abstract

It's essential to develop low-cost and efficient materials for the anode to stimulate extracellular electron transport and increase power density in microbial electrochemical systems (MES), which can increase energy output. Harmful algal bloom (HAB) can be mitigated by harvesting algal biomass mechanically. Hence, in this study, algal biomass was pyrolyzed to produce inexpensive algal biochar then employed on the anode modifier for productive electron transport. SEM, Raman, BET and XRD analysis was performed to characterize and determine their size, shape, and surface morphology. In the MES, the electrochemical attributes of algal biochar as an electrode material were evaluated using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a biocatalyst. Using microbial fuel cells (MFCs), the highest possible volumetric power density of 6.8 W/m3 and CE of 9.33 % was obtained with an optimized concentration of 1.5 mg/cm2 biochar-impregnated anodes. These findings display that collected HAB might be used as a cheap anode material to achieve enhanced power output in MFCs with concomitant wastewater treatment.