Graphene and biochar-based cathode catalysts for microbial fuel cell: Performance evaluation, economic comparison, environmental and future perspectives

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been the prime focus of research in recent years because of their distinctive feature of concomitantly treating and producing electricity from wastewater. Nevertheless, the electrical performance of MFCs is hindered by a protracted oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and often a catalyst is required to boost the cathodic reactions. Conventional transition metals-based catalysts are expensive and infeasible for field-scale usage. In this regard, carbon-based electrocatalysts like waste-derived biochar and graphene are used to enhance the commercialisation prospects of MFC technology. These carbon-catalysts possess unique properties like superior electrocatalytic activity, higher surface area, and high porosity conducive to ORR. Theoretically, graphene-based cathode catalysts yield superior results than a biochar-derived catalyst, though at a higher cost. In contrast, the synthesis of waste-extracted biochar is economical; however, its ability to catalyse ORR is debatable. Therefore, this review aims to make a side-by-side techno-economic assessment of biochar and graphene-based cathode catalyst used in MFC to predict the relative performance and typical cost of power recovery. Additionally, the life cycle analysis of the graphene and biochar-based materials has been briefly discussed to comprehend the associated environmental impacts and overall sustainability of these carbo-catalysts.