Bacterial cellulose-polyaniline nano-biocomposite: A porous media hydrogel bioanode enhancing the performance of microbial fuel cell

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2016-09, Vol.325, p.322-328
• Main Authors: Mashkour, Mehrdad, Rahimnejad, Mostafa, Mashkour, Mahdi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacterial cellulose; Current density; Hydrogel anode; Microbial fuel cell; Polyaniline; Power density
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.06.063

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are one of the possible renewable energy supplies which microorganisms play an active role in bio-oxidize reactions of a substrate such as glucose. Electrode materials and surface modifications are highly effective tools in enhancing MFCs’ Performance. In this study, new composite anodes are fabricated. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is used as continuous phase and polyaniline (PANI) as dispersed one which is synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization on BC’s fibers. With hydrogel nature of BC as a novel feature and polyaniline conductivity there meet the favorable conditions to obtain an active microbial biofilm on anode surface. Maximum power density of 117.76 mW/m2 in current density of 617 mA/m2 is achieved for BC/PANI anode. The amounts demonstrate a considerable enhancement compared with graphite plate (1 mW/m2 and 10 mA/m2). [Display omitted] •Bacterial Cellulose (BC) is proposed as a porous hydrogel scaffold for anode.•Hydrogel nature of BC facilitates transferring nutrients for exoelectrogens.•Polyaniline (PANI) is coated on BC’s fibers as a conductive catalyst.•BC/PANI nano-biocomposite is used as a green novel anode in MFC.•BC/PANI raises the output power of MFC from 1 to 117 mW/m2 compared to graphite.