Metal Ions Intercalated to Birnessite Manganese to Make High-Performance Catalyst for the Cathode of MFCs

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Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered significant attention recently due to their dual ability to purify wastewater and sludge while generating electricity, addressing the growing energy demand. However, the practical application of MFCs is hindered by the cost and performance challenges on the cathode side. In single-chamber MFCs, the choice of cathode catalyst is crucial for enhancing output. This study explored the use of manganese oxide, a cost-effective material with diverse structures and properties, as a catalyst. Specifically, manganese oxide with a birnessite structure was utilized for its low fabrication costs and high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. The research compared the performance of manganese oxide catalysts intercalated with various metal ions, identifying the optimal metal ions for single-chamber MFCs. The experiment evaluated cobalt, nickel, and zinc as potential metal ions. Measurements of the cathode potential using a reference electrode and power density assessments were conducted to determine the most suitable configuration overall.