Magnetic Electrode Research Articles

Washing-free electrogenerated chemiluminescence magnetic microbiosensors based on target assistant proximity hybridization for multiple protein biomarkers

This work reports washing-free electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) magnetic microbiosensors based on target assistant proximity hybridization (TAPH) for multiple protein biomarkers for the first time. As a principle-of-proof, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was chosen as a model analyte, and biotin-DNA1 bound streptavidin-coated magnetic microbeads (MMB@SA⋅biotin-DNA1) were designed as the universal capture MMB, while the corresponding two antibodies tagged with DNA2 or DNA3 were utilized as hybrid recognition probes, and ruthenium complex-tagged DNA4-10A was designed as a universal ECL signal probe. When the capture MMB was added into the mixture solution (containing the analyte, hybrid recognition probes, signal probe and tri-n-propylamine), biocomplexes were formed on the MMB. After the resulting MMB was efficiently brought to the surface of a magnetic glassy carbon electrode (MGCE), ECL measurement was performed without a washing step, resulting in an increase in the ECL intensity. A model for ECL measuring the second-order rate constants of hybridization reactions on MMB was derived. It was found that the rate constants for hybridization reactions on MMB in rotating mode are 1.6-fold higher than those in shaking mode, and a suitable DNA length of the signal probe can improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The washing-free ECL method was developed for the determination of AFP with a much lower detection limit (LOD) of 0.04 ng mL−1. The developed flexible strategy has been extended to determine D-dimer with an LOD of 0.1 ng mL−1 and myoglobinglobin with an LOD of 1.1 ng mL−1. This work demonstrated that the proposed strategy of ECL TAPH on MMB at MGCE is a washing-free and flexible promising strategy, and can be extended to qualify other multiple protein biomarkers in real clinical assays.

Highly sensitive and selective microRNA photoelectrochemical assay with magnetic electron donor–acceptor covalent organic framework as photoactive material and ZnSe QDs as photocurrent-polarity-switching factor

Herein, taking microRNA-138 (miRNA-138) as a model due to its important role in pre-diagnosis and therapy of Alzheimer's disease, a highly sensitive and selective photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was developed based on the magnetic electron donor–acceptor (D–A) covalent organic framework (COF), Fe3O4 @D–A COF, as the photoactive material and ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) as the photocurrent-polarity-switching factor. Fe3O4 @D–A COF, which contained the structure of D–A with a fast separation and transportation of photogenerated carriers, showed a large cathodic photocurrent. ZnSe QDs, as a photosensitive material, matched with D–A COF in energy level and could change the photocurrent polarity of D–A COF. Finally, the obtained Fe3O4 @D–A COF-hairpin DNA1/ZnSe QDs-hairpin DNA2 complex, which was formed through the miR-138-induced catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction, was adsorbed magnetically on the surface of the magnetic indium tin oxide electrode, producing a large anodic photocurrent. Based on the CHA reaction amplification, magnetic separation, D–A structure of COF and photocurrent-polarity-switching strategy, miRNA-138 was selectively and sensitively assayed (linear range, 1 fM to 10 nM; detection limit, 45 aM). The proposed sensor shows its great prospects in clinical analysis and early diagnosis of disease.

Magnetic carbon gate electrodes for the development of electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistor bio-sensing platforms

An electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistor that uses a magnetic carbon gate electrode to collect magnetic nanoparticles properly modified with a bio-receptor is reported as a novel platform to develop sensitive bio-sensors.

A homogeneous hybridization magnetic biosensor based on electric field assistance for ultrafast nucleic acid detection.

Electrochemical biosensing is a sensitive strategy widely used in the field of nucleic acid detection. However, electrochemical biosensors generally involve time-consuming and labor-intensive probe immobilization processes. In this study, an electrochemical DNA biosensor based on homogeneous hybridization in solution was designed for nucleic acid detection without probe immobilization, which is different from most biosensors. The capture probe, detection probe, and target DNA were hybridized rapidly under an electric field to form a "sandwich" structure within 90 s, and the "sandwich" hybrid could be specifically coupled to streptavidin-modified magnetic beads within 5 min. Finally, the magnetic beads were enriched by using polypyrrole (PPy)/carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified magnetic electrodes and the signal was detected by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The magnetic biosensor constructed in this study could detect targets over a good linear dynamic range spanning 100 pM to 100 nM in 400 s, while those involving conventional hybridization methods always take 2 h or more. Because of the specific binding of streptavidin and biotin, this strategy showed high specificity. Taken together, the homogenous hybridization magnetic biosensor constructed with electric field assistance presents a potential diagnostic method for rapid DNA detection and provides a new idea for rapid nucleic acid detection in clinical practice.

Magnetic particle-filled polyaniline-doped graphene oxide nanocomposite-based electrode in application of supercapacitor

In this study, the electrochemical characteristics of magnetic particle-filled conductive polyaniline-doped graphene oxide nanocomposites (MDiPG) were investigated. The graphene oxide was chemically exfoliated from natural graphite flakes by the modified Hummer's method. The nanocomposite was characterised through thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Its electrochemical characteristics were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. The nanocomposite electrode material was obtained through in situ polymerisation of polyaniline-doped graphene oxide combined with the mixing of a magnetic substance. The supercapacitor cell was composed of symmetric magnetic-derived electrodes, polypropylene separator, and 6M KOH as an electrolyte. The cyclic voltammetry curve study showed a good relation of both materials, where a high specific gravimetric capacitance was achieved at 303 F/g.

Thermally induced fluctuations of spin accumulation in lateral spin-valve structures and impact on noise

Gradient of spin accumulation in spintronic devices such as lateral spin-valves allows to generate pure spin-current without charge-current. Spin accumulation is an out-of-equilibrium magnetization in which thermal fluctuations can occur. These fluctuations may constitute a source of noise in lateral spin-valve structures. In this study, the thermally induced fluctuations of the vector of spin-accumulation were investigated theoretically in diffusive regime. It is shown that paramagnetic resonance may arise in the spin-current carrying channel due to electron-electron interactions and exchange splitting induced by the spin-accumulation. This leads to an effect that was not previously considered: resonant increase of the magnetic susceptibility of the paramagnetic channel material and an associated decrease in signal-to-noise ratio around the resonance frequency. Frequency dependence of the magnetic susceptibility and signal-to-noise ratio were calculated analytically in the case of a specific T-shaped lateral spin-valve structures. It was shown however that this noise caused by thermally induced fluctuations in spin-accumulation is generally negligible in comparison to other sources of noise present in lateral spin-valves such as Johnson noise or thermal fluctuations of magnetization in the magnetic electrodes.

Location of the imagined speech mapping from cortex to the scalp using the MEG and the EEG

People suffer from different brain disorders, unable to speak though they can think. For them require, a system which easily wearable and converts their imagined or intended covert speech into overt speech. Each brainactivity generates an electrical and magnetic signal. The electrical signal due to the brain activity is called the EEG, andthemagneticmovementiscalledtheMEG.Bothsignalsaremappedonthescalp, butitisweakerthanthebraincortex,andtheeffectofvolumeconduction.Therefore, it is essential to map the scalp's exact location of imagined speech to reduce the required number of electrodes and complexity. In this explorer, self-made graphene- based electrode and Hall-effect principle-based optically pumped magnetic electrode Resultsareadequatetolocatetheareaonthescalpofimaginedspeechandincrease the system wearables and user comfortability than the preceding system

Ameliorative and Renoprotective Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Blood Sugar, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine Levels, and the Islets of Langerhans Weight in Diabetic Mice.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease or disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels as well as impaired carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism due to insulin function insufficiency. Insulin deficiency can be caused by impaired or deficient insulin production by Langerhans beta cells in the pancreas or by a lack of responsiveness of the body's cells to insulin. This study aims to the effects of electrostimulation on the ameliorative (improves disease manifestations) or renoprotective (protects the kidneys) in a diabetic rat model using noninvasive (electrical stimulation with the magnetic and nonmagnetic electrode) and invasive (using needles) methods. This study used 25 female rats, with a normal control group (KN), a diabetes control group (KD), a needle treatment group (A), an electro-stimulator treatment group with a magnetic electrode (M), and an ES group with a nonmagnetic electrode (ES) (L). The electro-stimulator used AES-05 with a magnetic field strength of 90 mT at two acupoints, Pishu (BL20) and Shenshu (BL23). The treatment was administered 12 times in one month with a therapy time of 6.6 minutes per session. Body weight and blood sugar levels were compared before and after the treatment. After treatment, the diameter of the islets of Langerhans, as well as levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), was measured. Furthermore, statistical analysis was performed (α = 0.05). The results of this study showed that electrical stimulation treatments with needle-invasive, noninvasive magnetic electrodes, and nonmagnetic electrodes significantly reduced diabetic rats' blood glucose levels before and after the treatment. The analysis of the diameter of the islets of Langerhans revealed a significant difference between the treatment groups. The analysis of creatinine levels revealed a significant difference between groups, but creatinine levels in the group with the magnetic electrode (0.58 ± 0.17 mg/dL) were not significantly different from the control group (0.58 ± 0.07 mg/dL). The BUN test results revealed a significant difference compared with the diabetic control group, but no significant difference with the magnetic electrode treatment group. Conclusion. Based on the results, the most effective therapy for diabetes is a noninvasive method with magnetic (M) electrodes.

Competing Easy-Axis Anisotropies Impacting Magnetic Tunnel Junction-Based Molecular Spintronics Devices (MTJMSDs).

Molecular spintronics devices (MSDs) attempt to harness molecules' quantum state, size, and configurable attributes for application in computer devices-a quest that began more than 70 years ago. In the vast number of theoretical studies and limited experimental attempts, MSDs have been found to be suitable for application in memory devices and futuristic quantum computers. MSDs have recently also exhibited intriguing spin photovoltaic-like phenomena, signaling their potential application in cost-effective and novel solar cell technologies. The molecular spintronics field's major challenge is the lack of mass-fabrication methods producing robust magnetic molecule connections with magnetic electrodes of different anisotropies. Another main challenge is the limitations of conventional theoretical methods for understanding experimental results and designing new devices. Magnetic tunnel junction-based molecular spintronics devices (MTJMSDs) are designed by covalently connecting paramagnetic molecules across an insulating tunneling barrier. The insulating tunneling barrier serves as a mechanical spacer between two ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes of tailorable magnetic anisotropies to allow molecules to undergo many intriguing phenomena. Our experimental studies showed that the paramagnetic molecules could produce strong antiferromagnetic coupling between two FM electrodes, leading to a dramatic large-scale impact on the magnetic electrode itself. Recently, we showed that the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) was effective in providing plausible insights into the observation of unusual magnetic domains based on the role of single easy-axis magnetic anisotropy. Here, we experimentally show that the response of a paramagnetic molecule is dramatically different when connected to FM electrodes of different easy-axis anisotropies. Motivated by our experimental studies, here, we report on an MCS study investigating the impact of the simultaneous presence of two easy-axis anisotropies on MTJMSD equilibrium properties. In-plane easy-axis anisotropy produced multiple magnetic phases of opposite spins. The multiple magnetic phases vanished at higher thermal energy, but the MTJMSD still maintained a higher magnetic moment because of anisotropy. The out-of-plane easy-axis anisotropy caused a dominant magnetic phase in the FM electrode rather than multiple magnetic phases. The simultaneous application of equal-magnitude in-plane and out-of-plane easy-axis anisotropies on the same electrode negated the anisotropy effect. Our experimental and MCS study provides insights for designing and understanding new spintronics-based devices.

Magnetic electrode configuration with polypyrrole-wrapped Ni/NiFe2O4 core–shell nanospheres to boost electrocatalytic water splitting

The exploration of transition metal-based electrodes with high efficiency, low-budget and excellent stability for overall water splitting has attracted increasing attention. To optimize the metal oxides as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts, it is necessary to design not only their atomic and electronic structures but also the macroscopical electrode configuration. Herein, we report the preparation of conductive polypyrrole (PPy)-wrapped Ni/NiFe2O4 (Ni/NiFe2O4@PPy) nanospheres as a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst for the OER and HER. In the material design strategy, the PPy coating improves the conductivity and modulates the ion transmission rate between the electrolyte and Ni/NiFe2O4. The interaction between PPy and Ni/NiFe2O4 regulates the electronic structure and enhances the reaction efficiency of active sites. Furthermore, Ni/NiFe2O4@PPy nanospheres are employed to construct a binder-free magnetic electrode, which can well avoid the blockage of active sites and accelerate the gas release through the loosely assembled catalysts. The Ni/NiFe2O4@PPy with paramagnetic characteristics can be easily recovered for recycling by demagnetizing the electrodes. The specially designed magnetic electrodes show superior electrocatalytic activity with low overpotentials of 127 mV@10 mA cm−2 and 236 mV@100 mA cm−2 for HER and 265 mV@10 mA cm−2 and 370 mV@100 mA cm−2 for OER. The overall water electrolytic cell with Ni/NiFe2O4@PPy electrodes can achieve 10 mA cm−2 at 1.64 V with an excellent long-term stability. This work provides a novel material design and magnetic electrode construction strategy to improve the water splitting performance.

A dual-mode of electrochemical-colorimetric biosensing platform for kanamycin detection based on self-sacrifice beacon and magnetic separation technique

In this work, iron-based metal organic frameworks (Fe-MOF) are used as a self-sacrifice beacon to produce Prussian blue (PB). Then, a dual-mode electrochemical-colorimetric biosensing platform for kanamycin (KAN) detection is established considering the prominent redox activity and blue color of PB. CoFe2O4 magnetic nanobeads (CoFe2O4 MBs) are employed for immobilization and separation of the signal beacon in the complex matrix, and the combination between CoFe2O4 MBs and magnetic electrodes simplifies the electrochemical testing process. The linear range of the electrochemical mode is 0.1 nM–1.0 μM with a detection limit of 39 pM, and that of the colorimetric mode is 10 nM–2.0 μM with a detection limit of 3.6 nM. Furthermore, the dual-mode strategy shows satisfactory specificity and enhanced applicability for KAN detection in real samples. Compared with known dual-mode determination methods, the proposed design employs the same reaction to produce two signal output modes, thus eliminating the effect of different reactive pathways on the outcome and in turn promoting greater accuracy.

Multifunctional Core–Shell Particle Electrodes for Application in Fluidized Bed Reactors

Fluidized particle electrodes are well-suited for a wide range of electrochemical reactions due to their large specific surface area and their tolerance toward suspended solid contaminants and gas bubbles. For effective electrode performance, particles require (i) high conductivity, (ii) efficient interparticle contact, and (iii) chemical inertness toward a broad range of reagents and solvents. In particular, sufficient interparticle contact remains a critical challenge. Magnetic stabilization of the fluidized bed provides a potential solution but requires the use of magnetic electrode materials. However, the synthesis of electrode particles with high magnetic susceptibility remains an ongoing challenge. Herein, electrojetting of magnetite/poly(methyl methacrylate) suspensions into a graphite powder bed is demonstrated to be a facile and effective route toward magnetically stabilizable electrode particles. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the composition and core–shell structure of the particles. Characterization of their magnetic and electric properties showed an exceptionally high saturation magnetization of 11.1 A·m2/kg and a conductivity of 28 S/m. Further, scanning electron microscopy revealed an average diameter of approximately 200 μm, large surface areas, and spherical shapes, three prerequisites for homogeneous fluidization. Compared to previously reported fluidized bed electrodes, electrodes comprised of these novel core/shell particles showed 2-fold increases in current densities and conversion rates. These results underline the potential of the electrohydrodynamic jetting process for the design and synthesis of novel, tailor-made core–shell particles as key components of fluidized bed electrodes for electrochemical reactions.

(Invited) Switching Molecular Ionic Magnetism

Magneto-ionics of molecular based magnets, the ionic control of magnetism, promise ultralow-power sensor technologies, while the extent of reversible ion intercalation in turn is also the key state-of-charge feature in rechargeable battery electrodes. Here we report the reversible ion intercalation in molecular magnetic electrode, which simultaneously monitors the state of charge in battery and enables dynamic switching of its room-temperature magnetic transition. Microwave excited spin wave reveals lithiation degree in molecular-magnetic anode, enabling magneto-ionics towards the real-time monitoring of state of charge in rechargeable battery under a low magnetic field and radiofrequency. The structural vacancy and hydrogen-bonding networks in such molecular magneto-ionic compound enables the reversible lithiation and delithiation, which in turn, leads to a dynamical and reversible magnetization tunability.

Spin-dependent transport and spin transfer torque in a system based on silagraghene nanoribbons

We theoretically investigate the spin-dependent transport and spin transfer torque ( S T T ) in a system composed of a silagraphene nanoribbon ( S L N R ) connected to two ferromagnetic ( F M ) leads with arbitrary relative magnetization direction, using the tight-binding model in the nearest neighbor approximation within the framework of the Green function’s technique and Landauer–Butticer formalism. We report numerical calculation results for conductance ( G ), magnetoresistance ( M R ), and spin transfer torque ( S T T ) in the F M / S L N R / F M junction for different strengths of ferromagnetic magnetization. It is found that the G and M R show oscillatory behavior around E F = 0 and more interestingly, the magnitude of the M R reaches up to % 100 , which can be effectively used for sensitive switchings. In addition, it is demonstrated that S T T versus Fermi energy shows noticeable peaks with moving away from Dirac point energy. The results show that the torques as a function of the angle between two magnetic electrodes ( θ ) show a s i n -like behavior and the G − θ curve demonstrates approximately a c o s i n e -like behavior, which is a function of M . Our results can provide valuable theoretical guidance to design future novel spintronic devices. • We report the spin-polarized transport in a system based on silagraphene. • Our system consists of a silagraphene nanoribbon connected to two ferromagnetic electrodes (FM/Silagraphene/FM). • We employ Green function’s technique and Landauer–Butticer formalism. • We consider the conductance, magnetoresistance and spin transfer torque in this system for different strengths of ferromagnetic magnetization. • Our results demonstrate that the G, MR and STT show oscillatory behavior around Dirac point. • We found the n-type impurity is more suitable for dopping the system.

Perpendicularly Magnetized MnxGa‐Based Magnetic Tunnel Junctions: Materials, Mechanisms, Performances, and Potential Applications

AbstractMagnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) exhibit a great profusion of unique functional properties, such as nonvolatility, scalability, high endurance, and low power consumption. For this reason, they have been widely investigated in spin‐based logic and memory devices. Compared with conventional in‐plane MTJs, perpendicular MTJs (pMTJs) enable lower critical switching current and higher integration density. So far, CoFeB/MgO structures with interface‐induced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) are the most common ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes in pMTJs, whereas their relatively weak interfacial PMA restricts further development of device nodes. In the past decade, perpendicularly magnetized MnxGa binary alloys, including FM L10‐MnGa and ferrimagnetic D022‐Mn3Ga, have drawn intense attention for serving as a promising magnetic electrode in various MTJ stacking structures because of their large PMA, high spin polarization, and small magnetic damping constant. From an application perspective, MTJs with ultrathin MnxGa electrode show merits in developing high‐density magnetic memory, high‐frequency spin‐torque oscillators, and tunneling magnetoresistance effect‐based high‐field sensors. Herein, the aim is to provide a comprehensive review of recent progress in perpendicularly magnetized MnxGa‐based MTJs. The conclusions and future prospects are also given to inspire more in‐depth research and advance the practical applications.

Electrochemical sensor for detecting streptomycin in milk based on label-free aptamer chain and magnetic adsorption

Exploiting a simple and sensitive sensor to efficiently detect streptomycin (STR) in milk is critical for resolving the harm caused to humans by STR residues. This study reports an electrochemical sensor using magnetic mesoporous carbon materials (MMCM) as a loaded material through magnetic adsorption immobilized on magnetic glassy carbon electrode (MGCE) and adsorbing unlabeled streptomycin aptamer (STP) as the identification element. The sensor can detect STR sensitively with a wide detection range (0.172–17.2 × 103 and 17.2 × 103 –17.2 × 105 nM) and a low detection limit of 0.015 nM. Experimental results revealed that the specific binding of STP with STR on the electrode changed the configuration of STP, thereby causing current change of differential pulse voltammetry curve. Compared with HPLC, this study provides a new method for rapid and sensitive detection of STR in milk (n = 5, 95 % confidence level, RSD＜5%).

Electrochemical sensor based on micromotor technology for detection of Ox-LDL in whole blood

Detecting the concentration of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in whole blood is of great significance for monitoring the development of atherosclerosis. In order to simplify the complex processing steps of blood sample before the detection, an electrochemical sensor based on micromotor technology was designed, which was called magnesium (Mg)–Fe3O4@ prussian blue (PB)@ antibody of Ox-LDL (Ab)@ bovine serum albumin (BSA). The active capture of Ox-LDL in whole blood can be realized by the help of the movement of Mg microsphere with the driving force of H2. Then the captured Ox-LDL was collected on the surface of the magnetic glassy carbon electrode (MGCE) by self-made funnel device, and the content of Ox-LDL was detected by electrochemical workstation in the way of chronoamperometry (i-t). Due to the application of micromotor, the electrochemical sensor proposed in this study had good detection efficiency for Ox-LDL in whole blood with range from 1 × 10−2 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL, and the limit of detection (LOD) towards Ox-LDL was 9.80 × 10−4 μg/mL. The electrochemical sensor based on micromotor technology provides a rapid, effective, and sensitive method for the detection of Ox-LDL in whole blood.

Photoelectrochemical Sensors with Near-Infrared-Responsive Reduced Graphene Oxide and MoS2 for Quantification of Escherichia Coli O157:H7.

The photoelectric response is crucial for photocatalysis, having applications in solar cells and photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors. In this study, we demonstrate improvements in the near-infrared (NIR)-light-driven PEC response via synergism between reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MoS2. Intriguingly, rGO modulates the morphology of MoS2, facilitating carrier generation and migration, improving the PEC performance of the resultant rGO-MoS2 sheets (GMS), and yielding an approximately 8-fold increase in the photocurrent compared to that of the pure MoS2. Based on these findings, a NIR-responsive PEC immunosensing platform for the "turn-on" analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on 980 nm light irradiation is reported. Specifically, the device is a three-dimensional magnetic screen-printed paper-based electrode assembled on a home-made PEC cell, and it enables integrated separation and detection. Using a sandwich-type immunocomplex bridged by E. coli O157:H7 and a GMS PEC probe, the immunosensing platform detected E. coli O157:H7 between 5.0 and 5.0 × 106 CFU mL-1, having an extremely low detection limit of 2.0 CFU mL-1. Further, the assay enables the direct analysis of E. coli O157:H7 in milk without the need for pretreatment. Our findings suggest directions for the development of NIR-responsive paper-based PEC materials for portable biomolecule sensing.

A novel magnetic tunnel junction fabricated by robust intrinsic van der Waals half-metals

Two-dimensional magnetic van der Waals materials (vdW) have attracted considerable attentions in recent years due to their emerging physical properties and great potential application to the spintronics devices. Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) is one of the most important devices in spintronics. However, many unknown mechanisms governing its critical performance remain to be elucidated. Here, based on first-principles calculations, vdW materials VBr3 and VCl3 are shown to be the robust intrinsic half-metals with spin down electron's energy gap about 3.3 eV, and the Fermi level is almost located at the center of the spin down electron's energy gap. Based on this, we predict that application of VBr3 to the magnetic electrodes of MTJ would greatly improve the off/on ratio of junction resistance. Moreover, the coercivity of magnetic electrodes used by vdW material VBr3 can be tuned by the number of layers, and an antiferromagnetic layer pinning the ferromagnetic electrode can be omission. This provides a reliable way to study and design the MTJ devices in the future.

Improved electricity production and nitrogen enrichment during the treatment of black water using manganese ore-modified anodes

The decline of fossil fuel availability is calling for alternative energy such as electricity produced by degradation of waste in microbial fuel cells. The performance of microbial fuel cells is controlled by the anode because microorganisms grow and attach on the anode. Here, we prepared carbon felt electrodes modified with manganese ore based on the hypothesis that manganese and silicon oxides would improve the cell performance to treat simulated black water. We compared properties of the manganese ore-modified electrodes with properties of classical carbon felt electrodes modified with magnetic ferroferric oxide. We also studied the removal of the chemical oxygen demand and the enrichment in ammonia nitrogen. Results show that the maximum voltage of the manganese ore-modified carbon felt electrode is 1.7 times higher than that of the magnetic ferroferric oxide-modified carbon felt electrode. The start-up time to reach the maximum voltage is reduced by 68%. The removal of chemical oxygen demand reached 91.2%. Up to 68.0% of ammonia nitrogen can be enriched at the cathode, implying that ammonia nitrogen can be highly reduced in the effluent. Overall, the manganese ore-modified carbon felt electrode showed excellent redox performance, excellent corrosion resistance and low electron transfer resistance.