Statistical assessment of operational parameters using optimized sulphonated titanium nanotubes incorporated sulphonated polystyrene ethylene butylene polystyrene nanocomposite membrane for efficient electricity generation in microbial fuel cell

Abstract

Sulphonated Polystyrene Ethylene Butylene Polystyrene (SPSEBS) mixed with different weight percentages (2, 4, 6 and 8%) of synthesized Sulphonated Titanium Nanotubes (STNT) to prepare proton exchange membranes (PEM). The membrane properties confirms that SPSEBS +6% STNT exhibits higher water uptake, ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity when compared to certain previously reported membranes thereby suggesting better suitability for fuel cell performance. In present study, three operational parameters were investigated using optimized SPSEBS +6% STNT as PEM for better performance in MFC by adopting Box Behnken design. RSM results reveal that STAT 15 with acetate as substrate, 1000 Ω external resistance and 0.3% catalyst loading rate exhibits a maximum power density of 138 mW/m2. Thus, the synthesized and characterized nanocomposite membranes pose potentials in the fabricated tubular MFC design for enhanced power production. In addition, a regression equation for selected operational parameters for enhanced electricity generation in MFC has been proposed.