Single-chamber Microbial Fuel Cells Research Articles

Nanoflower-branch LDHs and CoNi alloy derived from electrospun carbon nanofibers for efficient oxygen electrocatalysis in microbial fuel cells

Designing rational nanostructure to promote the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is desirable but still remains a huge challenge. In this work, an elaborately designed strategy is proposed to deposit layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on the surface of ZIF-67 grown along nanofibers, thereby obtaining nanoflower-branch composites (CoNi-LDH@CNFs) with a rich cavity structure supported by electrospinning nanofibers. During the pyrolysis process, the variable cobalt in ZIFs is captured by LDHs nanosheets to generate CoNi alloy. As expected, CoNi-LDH@CNFs exhibits brilliant ORR catalytic activity. The as-prepared catalyst is an outstanding cathode in MFC, with a maximum power density of 1390.37 mW/m2, superior to Pt/C corresponding MFC (843.67 mW/m2). Impressively, the nanofiber-derived catalyst exhibits long-term durability in single-chamber MFCs. This work provides a new perspective for the combination of LDHs and nanofiber-derived materials, and gives promising performance in realistic MFCs applications.

Rumen Inoculum Enhances Cathode Performance in Single-Chamber Air-Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells.

During the last decade, bioprospecting for electrochemically active bacteria has included the search for new sources of inoculum for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, concerning power and current production, a Geobacter-dominated mixed microbial community derived from a wastewater inoculum remains the standard. On the other hand, cathode performance is still one of the main limitations for MFCs, and the enrichment of a beneficial cathodic biofilm emerges as an alternative to increase its performance. Glucose-fed air-cathode reactors inoculated with a rumen-fluid enrichment and wastewater showed higher power densities and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) removal (Pmax = 824.5 mWm−2; ΔsCOD = 96.1%) than reactors inoculated only with wastewater (Pmax = 634.1 mWm−2; ΔsCOD = 91.7%). Identical anode but different cathode potentials suggest that differences in performance were due to the cathode. Pyrosequencing analysis showed no significant differences between the anodic community structures derived from both inocula but increased relative abundances of Azoarcus and Victivallis species in the cathodic rumen enrichment. Results suggest that this rarely used inoculum for single-chamber MFCs contributed to cathodic biofilm improvements with no anodic biofilm effects.

Synergistic degradation for o-chlorophenol and enhancement of power generation by a coupled photocatalytic-microbial fuel cell system

A hierarchically photocatalytic microbial fuel cell system (PMFC) coupled with TiO2 photoanode and bioanode was established to enhance the power generation based on single-chamber MFC. Compared with the conventional anaerobic mode, oxygen in the solution could be utilized by the photoanode of PMFC to improve the removal of o-chlorophenol (2-CP). The maximum power densities were increasing from 261 (MFC) to 301 mW/m2 (PMFC). The removal efficiency of 2-CP (5 mg/L) in PMFC was 76.20% and higher than that in MFC (19.33%) and by photocatalysis (49.23%). The electron-hole separation efficiencies were decreasing with the increasing of dissolved oxygen, causing a low efficiency of photocatalysis, due to the reduction of the current density of the systems. The abundance of Geobacter sp., PHOS-HE36 fam., and Pseudomonas sp. was increased with illumination, contributing to improve the electricity production and 2-CP degradation. The only detective intermediate of 1,2-dichlorobenzene in PMFC indicated that the microbes could regulate the degradation pathway of 2-CP in the coupling system. These findings provided an feasible method for the effective degradation of refractory organic compounds and simultaneous energy recovery by combining photocatalysis and microbial power generation.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELL BASED LIVE SLUDGE FOR VOLTAGE PRODUCTION AND CONGO RED DYE REMOVAL

In this work, Single chamber Microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs) are a versatile technology is depending on the interaction mechanisms of bacteria, to produce bioelectricity simultaneously and treat Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solution at different pH (6.5-8). Electricity generation from the biodegradable organic substrate (sucrose) accompanied by decolorization of azo dye was investigated in the batch test results showed that more than 99% decolorization demonstrated at UV-Visible Spectrophotometer (500 nm) was achieved within 20 days and maximum output voltage (889 mv) had been obtained in an open circuit at a pH value of 7.5. Microbial community analysis showed that species in live sludge and the impact of bacteria grown on removal and voltage.

Nanostructured gas diffusion layer to improve direct oxygen reduction reaction in Air-Cathode Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells

The aim of this work is the development of new nanostructured-gas-diffusion-layer (GDL) to improve the overall behaviour of Air-Cathode Single-Chamber-Microbial-Fuel-Cells (SCMFCs). The design of new nanostructured-GDL allowed exploiting all nanofibers ’intrinsic properties, such as high surface ratio to volume, high porosity, achieving thus a good oxygen diffusion into the proximity of catalyst layer, favouring thus the direct oxygen-reduction-reaction (ORR). Nanostructured-GDLs were prepared by electrospinning process, using a layer-by-layer deposition to collect 2 nanofibers’ mats. The first layer was made of cellulose nanofibers able to promote oxygen diffusion into SCMFC. The second layer, placed outwards, was based on polyvinyl-fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers to prevent the electrolyte leakage. This nanostructured-GDL plays a pivotal role to improve the overall performance of Air-Cathode-SCMFCs. A maximum current density of 20 mA m-2was obtained, which is higher than the one reached with commercial-GDL, used as reference material. All results were analysed in terms of energy recovery parameter, defined as ratio of generated power integral and the internal volume of devices, evaluating the overall SCMFC performance. SCMFCs with a nanostructured-GDL showed an energy recovery equal to 60.83 mJ m-3, which was one order of magnitude higher than the one obtained with commercial-GDL, close to 3.92 mJ m-3.

Performance assessment of microbial fuel cell with various electrode materials

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFCs) are devices which produces electricity by anaerobic fermentation from organic/inorganic matter, its simple structure and the usage of biodegradable substances as a fuel makes it a potential technology for electricity generation. However, its low performance and high cost of components are obstructing the commercialization of MFC. While designing MFC reactor electrodes combination and substrate play a significant role in the performance. To improve MFC efficiency, tremendous research has been carried out to explore cost effective electrode material. Usually factors like price, reusability, neutrality and increment in output power are considered for material selection. This paper discusses about the various carbonous electrode combination to study about the optimum performance of soil based MFCs, on paddy field. The V-I characteristics is obtained for various MFCs setup to identify the suitable electrode for the chosen substrate. This comparative study is made with the single chamber MFC without proton exchange membrane which is compensated with the usage of terracotta pot. The entire study is carried out with the experimental setup to detect the impact of electrode in power generation for a given substrate.

A comparative study on the energy generation through wastewater purification in microbial fuel cell

Rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources because of increase in energy demands and increasing of climate change phenomena due to global warming by green-house gases have raised demand for cleaner energy. Therefore, probing a simple and cost-effective electrochemical energy conversion and treatment technology is a promising as well as an alternative to produce power through the treatment of wastewater. The Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is thus an emerging technology device to treat wastewater and simultaneously producing green energy and reducing the energy crisis and global warming. This novel technology is cost effective as well as proves itself as an alternative energy source for off-grid power solutions.One of the major drawbacks for producing electricity from wastewater is that it’s low buffering capacity. A buffer is added to maintain pH, thus decreasing the voltage efficiency in microbial systems. In this study, the performance of the Single Chamber MFC is reported for the sodium bicarbonate buffer solution for the treatment of wastewater. Moreover, the results were compared with the various buffer solution as reported elsewhere. The different types of buffer solutions were compared like Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS), Borax Buffer Solution, and Bicarbonate Buffer Solution to improve production of electrical energy. This communication tries to highlight the comparison of quantity, effectiveness, removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and analysis of free proton transfer rates, rate of diffusion and the electricity generated by different buffer solution. The optimum power density was found to be 50.25 mW/cm2 for the sodium bicarbonate buffer solution. A comparison among three types of Proton Exchange Membrane also make us aware of the power outputs in microbial fuel cells.

Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell with Multiple Plates of Bamboo Charcoal Anode: Performance Evaluation

In this study, three single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs), each having Pt-coated carbon cloth as a cathode and four bamboo charcoal (BC) plates as an anode, were run in a fed-batch mode, individually and in series. Simulated potato-processing wastewater was used as a substrate for supporting the growth of a mixed bacterial culture. The maximum power output increased from 0.386 mW with one MFC to 1.047 mW with three MFCs connected in series. The maximum power density, however, decreased from 576 mW/m2 (normalized to the cathode area) with one MFC to 520 mW/m2 with three MFCs in series. The experimental results showed that power can be increased by connecting the MFCs in series; however, choosing low resistance BC is crucial for increasing power density.

Model-based identification of biological and pH gradient driven removal pathways of total ammonia nitrogen in single-chamber microbial fuel cells

Experimental data that allow for a precise identification of the total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) elimination pathways in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (SC-MFCs) are still very rare. However, nitrification–denitrification and ammonia volatilization are commonly reported as the two main removal mechanisms. This work presents a mathematical model to quantify the contribution of volatilization to TAN removal in SC-MFCs. For model verification, three different experimental settings were performed with TAN concentrations of 57 to 111mgNL−1: (i) biotic tests using sealed cathode chambers with variable oxygen supply, (ii) biotic tests for determination of the pH gradient within the cathodic microenvironment and (iii) pH-induced abiotic gas release tests. In biotic tests, the TAN removal rate in closed-circuit was 29–37% higher compared to open-circuit mode, which indicated additional electrochemical conservation processes. A limitation of oxygen availability on the air-facing side of the cathode (0.1%) resulted in negligible TAN removal rates. In contrast, an atmospheric oxygen content of 21% increased the biological oxidation rate of TAN to 653–730mgNm−2Catd−1and the electrochemical ammonia stripping rate to 210–241mgNm−2Catd−1 at 22 °C. During electricity generation, a peak pH value of 9.6 was measured by microelectrode measurements, which might lead to free ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 39–40mgFANL−1 nearby the cathode surface. Based on the proposed model and assuming an inhibition of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria, a maximum TAN removal rate via ammonia volatilization of 785mgNm−2Catd−1 (T = 22 °C) at a current density of 322 mA m−2Cat is estimated.

Recovery of heavy metals from industrial wastewater using bioelectrochemical system inoculated with novel Castellaniella species

Water pollution is a global issue that has drastically increased in recent years due to rapid industrial development. Different technologies have been designed for the removal of pollutants from wastewater. However, most of these techniques are expensive, generate new waste, and focus solely on metal removal instead of metal recovery. In this study, novel facultative exoelectrogenic strains designated Castellaniella sp. A5, Castellaniella sp. B3, and Castellaniella sp. A3 were isolated from a microbial fuel cell (MFC). These isolates were utilized as pure and mixed culture inoculums in a bioelectrochemical system (BES) to produce bioelectricity and treat simulated industrial wastewater. A single-chamber MFC inoculated with the mixed culture attained the highest electricity generation (i.e., 320 mW/m2 power density and 3.19 A/m2 current density), chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency (91.15 ± 0.05%), and coulombic efficiency (54.81 ± 4.18%). In addition, the BES containing biofilms of the mixed culture achieved the highest Cu, Cr, and Cd removal efficiencies of 99.89 ± 0.07%, 99.59 ± 0.53%, and 99.91 ± 0.04%, respectively. The Cr6+ and Cu2+ in the simulated industrial wastewater were recovered via microbial electrochemical reduction as Cr3+ and Cu0, respectively. However, Cd2+ precipitated as Cd (OH)2 or CdCO3 on the surface of the cathodes. These results suggest that a mixed culture inoculum of Castellaniella sp. A5, Castellaniella sp. B3, and Castellaniella sp. A3 has great potential as a biocatalyst in BES for heavy metals recovery from industrial wastewater.

Living Bacteria Directly Embedded into Electrospun Nanofibers: Design of New Anode for Bio-Electrochemical Systems

The aim of this work is the optimization of electrospun polymeric nanofibers as an ideal reservoir of mixed electroactive consortia suitable to be used as anodes in Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells (SCMFCs). To reach this goal the microorganisms are directly embedded into properly designed nanofibers during the electrospinning process, obtaining so called nanofiber-based bio-composite (bio-NFs). This research approach allowed for the designing of an advanced nanostructured scaffold, able to block and store the living microorganisms inside the nanofibers and release them only after exposure to water-based solutions and electrolytes. To reach this goal, a water-based polymeric solution, containing 5 wt% of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and 10 wt% of environmental microorganisms, is used as the initial polymeric solution for the electrospinning process. PEO is selected as the water-soluble polymer to ensure the formation of nanofiber mats offering features of biocompatibility for bacteria proliferation, environment-friendliness and, high ionic conductivity. In the present work, bio-NFs, based on living microorganisms directly encapsulated into the PEO nanofiber mats, were analyzed and compared to PEO-NFs made of PEO only. Scanning electron microscopy allowed researchers to confirm the rise of a typical morphology for bio-NFs, evidencing the microorganisms’ distribution inside them, as confirmed by fluorescence optical microscopy. Moreover, the latter technique, combined with optical density measurements, allowed for demonstrating that after electrospinning, the processed microorganisms preserved their proliferation capability, and their metabolic activity after exposure to the water-based electrolyte. To demonstrate that the energy-production functionality of exo-electrogenic microorganisms was preserved after the electrospinning process, the novel designed nanomaterials, were directly deposited onto carbon paper (CP), and were applied as anode electrodes in Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells (SCMFCs). It was possible to appreciate that the maximum power density reached by bio-NFs, which resulted in being double of the ones achieved with PEO-NFs and bare CP. SCMFCs with bio-NFs applied as anodic electrodes reached a current density value, close to (250 ± 5.2) mA m−2, which resulted in being stable over time and was comparable with the one obtained with carbon-based electrode, thus confirming the good performance of the whole device.

Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and electricity recovery of Halomonas strains in single chamber microbial fuel cells for seawater sewage treatment

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) by microbial fuel cell (MFC) holds great promise in the nitrogen removal from seawater sewage due to the harvest of electricity and low organic carbon requirement. However, this remains very difficult owing to the inhibition of microbial growth and metabolism by the high salinity. In this work, a halophilic bacterium Halomonas sp. B01 with both exoelectrogenic and SND capability in hypersaline environment was reported. Halomonas sp. B01 was screened from several Halomonas species considering their growth and electricity production abilities. Halomonas sp. B01 generated a high power density of 24.2 mW/m2 (0.61 W/m3) and efficient N removal rate of 93.8% in single chamber MFCs on seawater substrate. The nitrogen removal pathway of Halomonas sp. B01 was demonstrated to include (1) nitrification process coupled with electron-donating to the anode, and (2) denitrification process coupled with electron-accepting from the cathode. The present work represents a successful attempt to accomplish simultaneous SND and electricity production in MFCs by a single halophilic strain, which provides a theoretical and method support for the convenient treatment of seawater sewage.

Anode biofilm maturation time, stable cell performance time, and time-course electrochemistry in a single-chamber microbial fuel cell with a brush-anode

For accurate and reproducible MFC experiments, it is important to know when MFCs produce stable cell performance. Herein, four replicate single-chamber MFCs were tested for 17 weeks by using polarization and cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests. The strong MFCs (#2,4,3) showing continuous performance enhancement initially (3rd–9th week) produced good subsequent performance (9th–17th week). The weak MFC-1 experienced a performance drop initially and showed bad subsequent performance. All the MFC performance became stable after 9 weeks. The strong MFCs produced power 2.8–3.6 times higher and anode resistance 7.5–23.9 times lower than the weak. However, their cathode resistances were similar. CV results showed anodic current production increased continuously in all MFCs, indicating anode biofilms kept growing;, MFC performance did not increase accordingly. Anodic CVs had a typical S-shape curve, but those of MFC-1 showed straight lines from the 9th week. The weak MFC-1 showed smaller CV currents and thinner CV curves than those of the strong MFCs. In MFC-1, at the 17th week, the anode resistance reduced by 47%, anodic current and cell performance increased. Regression analysis showed anode resistance was a limiting factor of the weak MFC and cathode resistance was that of the strong MFCs. This result suggests one operating principle: improve anodes in weak MFCs and cathodes in strong MFCs to achieve better MFC performance.

Management of Cattle Dung and Novel Bioelectricity Generation Using Microbial Fuel Cells: An Ingenious Experimental Approach

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are the rising modern equipment for the generation of bioelectricity from organic matters. In this study, MFCs in two formats are assembled and concurrently operated for a 30-day period in a batch mode manner. Natural biowaste cattle dung slurry with mediators is used as a substrate persistently for the enhancement of electron transfer rate and additionally for the augmentation of required electrical parameters. Under similar conditions, the MFC setups are experimented with a variety of anode-cathode material combinations, namely carbon-carbon, copper-carbon, and zinc-carbon. The performance of these MFCs during the testing period is evaluated independently and compared by plotting polarization data generated by them. It is revealed that maximum current and power densities are achieved from all these MFCs and the best attained values are 1858 mA/m2 and 1465 mW/m2, respectively, for the novel single-chamber zinc-carbon electrode MFC. The corresponding findings present that the MFC with zinc-carbon electrodes has the better power density than other MFCs. Being conductive and higher standard potential metal electrodes have improved the capability to act in place of carbon family electrodes for MFC-based power applications. Although the MFC power generation is low, but modifications in configurations, electrodes, microbe-rich biowaste, mediators, and power management may enhance the power output to a significant level for commercialization of this technology. The unique feature of this research is to explore the pertinent use of conductive metal electrodes to enhance the power generation capability of MFCs through biowaste as an alternative power source for small applications. The novelty of this research is presented through usage of conductive metal electrodes for the performance analysis of MFCs.

Biodegradation of carbamazepine and production of bioenergy using a microbial fuel cell with bioelectrodes fabricated from devil fish bone chars

This work focused on developing inexpensive materials with desirable characteristics as bioanodes in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) for bioenergy production from the biodegradation of carbamazepine. This pharmaceutical compound is an emerging pollutant in water due to its presence in wastewater, persistence in conventional treatment plants, and widespread occurrence in water bodies. The materials were fabricated from devil fish bone chars synthesized by calcination process using a nitrogen atmosphere (BCN) and an air atmosphere (BCA). Their performances were compared with carbon felt (CF). Three cylindrical-shaped single-chamber MFC were constructed with each material and were operated with 50 mg/L of carbamazepine. Biodegradation efficiencies were estimated from the removal percentage of the carbamazepine and the chemical oxygen demand (COD). MFC electrochemical properties were characterized by linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. Biofilm formation on the materials was analyzed by environmental scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that MFC with BCN and BCA had better performance than CF. COD removal and carbamazepine biodegradation efficiencies of 87.5% and 79.58%, 81.1% and 77.88%, and 75.5% and 74.78% were obtained for BCN, BCA, and CF, respectively. Both bioanodes showed a maximum power density of 5.4 mW/m2 and Coulombic efficiency of ~14%, 210%, and ~ 116% higher than CF, an electron transfer resistance up two times lower, and a stable behavior higher than it. Micrographs confirmed the biofilm formation. Hence, these findings provide low-cost alternative materials to be used as bioanode in the sustainable construction of MFC applied to produce bioenergy and biodegrade carbamazepine.

Nickel-cobalt manganate supported on reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube for improving air cathode performance in single chamber microbial fuel cell

In this paper, a hybrid electrocatalyst of nickel-cobalt manganite supported on reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (NCMO/rGO/CNT) was prepared by hydrothermal method and its effect on the performance of a single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) was investigated. Characterization techniques confirmed the synthesis of spinel nanoparticles, their uniform distribution on carbon nanostructures, and the presence of CNT bridges across rGO nanosheets. The electrochemical studies indicate the dominance of the four-electron transfer pathway in ORR (n = 3.80). The maximum power density (Pmax) of the electrocatalytic modified membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) studied by an SCMFC-simulating half-cell (15.64 W.m−2) was approximately 11 times higher than that of the blank half-cell (1.38 W.m−2). The Pmax of the SCMFC modified by NCMO/rGO/CNT was 1.186 W.m−2, which was 7.65 times higher than that of blank fuel cell. The results suggest NCMO/rGO/CNT as an excellent electrocatalyst for SCMFCs.

Deciphering interactive synergy of electron-transfer characteristics for optimal microbial fuel cell-steered dye decolorization

BackgroundAlthough simultaneous dye decolorization and bioelectricity generation (SDD&BG) in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were mentioned in literature, the unpredictable electron-transferring phenomena (ETP) taken place in the cathodic chamber (CC) and anodic chamber (AC) were still remained open to be explored for system optimization. MethodsDouble chamber (DC)-MFC were constructed as descried in Guo et al. (2019) for comparative assessment. CC contained 200 mL cultured broth at 0.5x LB broth (OD600∼1.6 ± 0.1) and different concentrations of K3Fe(CN)6 at 0, 1000, 3000, 5000 mg L− 1 were specifically provided in 0.01 M phosphate buffered saline. For comparative evaluation, the experimental design of case-control MFC study was implemented via three modes of operation (i.e., dye decolorization (DD) alone, bioelectricity generation (BG) alone and simultaneous DD&BG) in DC-MFC to disclose efficiencies of ETP. Significant findingsThis novel study quantitatively deciphered ETP in CC and AC to optimize not only bioelectric generation, but also dye decolorization. Supplement of cathode acceptors (e.g., potassium ferricyanide; PF) in the CC could efficiently augment the overall stoichiometric ratio of electron transfer ϕ value (ca. 3.34∼3.46 fold increase), considerably stimulating the performance of reductive decolorization. Evidently, DC-MFC seemed to be more electroactive than single chamber-MFC to maximize ET efficiency for SDD&BG.

Utilization of Mangifera indica as Substrate to Bioremediate the Toxic Metals and Generate the Bioenergy through a Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a sustainable approach for the remediation of metals and the simultaneous production of energy. This paper highlighted the usage of mango extract to produce electricity as an organic source for bacteria and reduce metal ions from wastewater. The observed results were 51 mV in 15 days with 500 Ω of external resistance. The whole operation was carried out at room temperature. The observed current and power density were 28.947 mA/m2 and 0.972 mW/m2, respectively. The internal resistance was 150 Ω, which is lower than external resistance. The remediation performance varied with the metal ions as follows: Pb (II) shows 75%, Cd (II) shows 74.11%, and Cr (III) shows 80.50%. Finally, the detailed working mechanism of the present study, MFC challenges, and future research directions are covered in this paper.

Impedance spectroscopic study of biofilm formation on pencil lead graphite anode in microbial fuel cell

BackgroundNowadays, the development of biofilm on the cost-effective polymer-based substrate (anode) to be employed in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) is considered important. The present study deals with the formation of Bacillus subtilis 168 biofilm on a pencil lead graphite that was assessed in an MFC using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). MethodThe cylindrical single-chambered MFC was designed by using an air-cathode supported stainless steel mesh as a cathode and pencil lead graphite as an anode. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate the biofilm formation. The monitoring of biofilm was conducted by impedance spectroscopy using a new Equivalent Electrical Circuit Model [R(QR)(Q[R(RQ)])]

Enhancement in Cathodic Redox Reactions of Single-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells with Castor Oil-Emitted Powder as Cathode Material.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) would be a standalone solution for clean, sustainable energy and rural electrification. It can be used in addition to wastewater treatment for bioelectricity generation. Materials chosen for the membrane and electrodes are of low cost with suitable conducting ions and electrical properties. The prime objective of the present work is to enhance redox reactions by using novel and low-cost cathode catalysts synthesized from waste castor oil. Synthesized graphene has been used as an anode, castor oil-emitted carbon powder serves as a cathode, and clay material acts as a membrane. Three single-chambered MFC modules developed were used in the current study, and continuous readings were recorded. The maximum voltage achieved was 0.36 V for a 100 mL mixture of domestic wastewater and cow dung for an anodic chamber of 200 mL. The maximum power density obtained was 7280 mW/m2. In addition, a performance test was evaluated for another MFC with inoculums slurry, and a maximum voltage of 0.78 V and power density of 34.4093 mW/m2 with an anodic chamber of 50 mL was reported. The present study’s findings show that such cathode catalysts can be a suitable option for practical applications of microbial fuel cells.