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Iron particle-decorated biochar as a high-performance anode material for enhanced bioelectricity generation in microbial fuel cells

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  • Li, Sibo
  • Zhang, Zhiping
  • Liu, Lunrong
  • Yin, Chengri
  • Yin, Zhenxing

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) collect electricity while decomposing pollutants, providing a technological route to alleviate the twin dilemmas of environmental pollution and energy crisis. However, the relatively weak microbial adhesion of the anode material limits the performance of MFCs, posing challenges for their commercial application. In this study, iron particles were decorated on Rhus typhina biochar via a one-step carbonization process to form a composite anode (RC@Fe) for MFCs. The porous structure of RC@Fe effectively prevents bacterial pore blockage, while the surface iron particles improve electron transfer efficiency and promote the formation of bacterial clusters. Thus, MFC equipped with RC@Fe achieves a maximum power density of 10.5 W m−2, markedly surpassing previously reported values for MFCs. Most importantly, the application of RC@Fe in the treatment of beer wastewater achieved an excellent output power, reaching 5.8 W m−2.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Sibo & Zhang, Zhiping & Liu, Lunrong & Yin, Chengri & Yin, Zhenxing, 2025. "Iron particle-decorated biochar as a high-performance anode material for enhanced bioelectricity generation in microbial fuel cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:255:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125015149
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123850
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    References listed on IDEAS

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