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Assessing the Performance of Continuous-Flow Microbial Fuel Cells and Membrane Electrode Assembly with Electrodeposited Mn Oxide Catalyst

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Mais

    (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei Materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Michele Mascia

    (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei Materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Annalisa Vacca

    (Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei Materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy)

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are considered promising energy sources whereby chemical energy is converted into electricity via bioelectrochemical reactions utilizing microorganisms. Several factors affect MFC performance, including cathodic reduction of oxygen, electrode materials, cell internal and external resistances, and cell design. This work describes the effect of the catalyst coating in the air-cathode membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a microbial fuel cell (MFC) prepared via electrodeposition of manganese oxide. The characterization of the synthesized air-cathode MFC, operating in a continuous mode, was made via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses for the determination of the intrinsic properties of the electrode that are crucial for scalability purposes. EIS analysis of the MFCs and of the MEA reveals that the anode and cathode contribute to polarization resistance by about 85% and 15%, respectively, confirming the high catalytic activity of the Mn-based air cathode. The maximum power density of the Mn-based cathode is about 20% higher than that recorded using a Pt/C electrode.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Mais & Michele Mascia & Annalisa Vacca, 2024. "Assessing the Performance of Continuous-Flow Microbial Fuel Cells and Membrane Electrode Assembly with Electrodeposited Mn Oxide Catalyst," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:4:p:943-:d:1340561
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wilberforce, Tabbi & Abdelkareem, Mohammad Ali & Elsaid, Khaled & Olabi, A.G. & Sayed, Enas Taha, 2022. "Role of carbon-based nanomaterials in improving the performance of microbial fuel cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    2. Antonopoulou, G. & Bampos, G. & Ntaikou, I. & Alexandropoulou, M. & Dailianis, S. & Bebelis, S. & Lyberatos, G., 2023. "The biochemical and electrochemical characteristics of a microbial fuel cell used to produce electricity from olive mill wastewater," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
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