Statistical optimization of process parameters in microbial fuel cell for enhanced power production using Sulphonated Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane dispersed Sulphonated Polystyrene Ethylene Butylene Polystyrene nanocomposite membranes

Abstract

Novel Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) comprising Sulphonated Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (SPOSS) incorporated on Sulphonated Polystyrene Ethylene Butylene Polystyrene (SPSEBS) nanocomposites are prepared in different weight percentage of nano fillers (2–8%) by solution casting method. The successful sulphonation of the SPSEBS and SPOSS is confirmed by various characterization techniques. SPSEBS +6% SPOSS membrane exhibit the highest IEC value, water uptake and proton conductivity. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used to determine the effect of pH, substrate concentration and variation in anode material with SPSEBS + 6% SPOSS membrane for the performance in a fabricated tubular Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) of 300 mL volume. The ideal concentration of each parameter is investigated and from the optimized conditions the highest maximum power density of 126 mW/m2 is obtained in STAT 13 at pH 7 with 75% substrate concentration using graphite rod as an electrode material after 3 weeks of operation time. In addition, initial biofilm studies are performed. The results of this study suggest a regression equation for optimizing the process parameters in addition to a new hybrid nanocomposite membrane fabricated for the first time which could be an appropriate PEM for the MFC system.