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Iron-polyphenol modified anodes for enhanced methane production and energy recovery in microbial electrolysis cell-assisted anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge

Author

Listed:
  • Zhang, Guangyi
  • Liu, Bingru
  • Wei, Jiepeng
  • Li, Guohui
  • Zhao, Zisheng
  • Zhao, Zhiqiang
  • Zhang, Yaobin

Abstract

This study presents a novel iron-polyphenol modified carbon felt anode for microbial electrolysis cell assisted anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD), designed to enhance the anaerobic digestion efficiency of waste activated sludge (WAS). Results indicated that the iron-polyphenol modified MEC-AD achieved the highest methane yield (113.7 mL/g VS) and Coulombic Efficiency (18.8%), subsequently followed by Fe3O4 modified MEC-AD (102.5 mL/g VS, 13.4%), and then conventional MEC-AD (95.8 mL/g VS, 8.1%). Electrochemical analyses revealed a significantly reduced charge transfer resistance (Rct = 5.7 Ω) and an enhanced electron storage capacity in iron-polyphenol modified MEC-AD. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed iron-polyphenol modification of anode significantly upregulated functional genes encoding key enzymes for hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis (including fwd and mcr), indicating a potential enhancement of metabolic activity in these pathways. This study provides a sustainable strategy to overcome limitations of conventional WAS anaerobic digestion treatment, advancing resource recovery and energy efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Guangyi & Liu, Bingru & Wei, Jiepeng & Li, Guohui & Zhao, Zisheng & Zhao, Zhiqiang & Zhang, Yaobin, 2026. "Iron-polyphenol modified anodes for enhanced methane production and energy recovery in microbial electrolysis cell-assisted anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:272:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126008724
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.126046
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