Improvement of power generation of microbial fuel cell by integrating tungsten oxide electrocatalyst with pure or mixed culture biocatalysts

Abstract

The anode of microbial fuel cell was impregnated with tungsten oxide (WO3) and platinum-tungsten oxide (Pt/WO3) nanocomposites to improve its power generation. The amended anodes were tested against pure and mixed culture type of biocatalysts. Improved performance was exhibited by the modified electrodes as compared to the uncatalyzed electrodes using both biocatalysts. However, pure culture showed higher power outputs as compared to the enriched mixed consortia. The maximum power density up to 0.15mWcm−2 (1.46Wm−2) was obtained using pure culture which was almost 45% higher as compared to uncatalyzed electrodes. The anode modification also helped in lowering the charge transfer resistance and improving the coulombic efficiencies of the MFCs. High capacitance with nanostructure catalysts implied their role in holding an electric charge while SEM and epifluorescent images revealed enhanced bacterial adhesion. The high electrode conductivity, stability, and biocompatibility of the modified anodes make them more attractive for practical microbial fuel cell applications.