Journal Article

Carbon-Supported Zirconium Oxide as a Cathode for Microbial Fuel Cell Applications

Mecheri, Barbara, Mauri, Arianna, D'Epifanio, Alessandra, Iannaci, Alessandro, Licoccia, Silvia

2016

Overview

Cost‐effective electrode materials to be used as cathodes in lab‐scale prototype microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were prepared from mixtures of carbon black (C) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) of different composition. The catalytic activity of these cathodes in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and their stability toward poisoning in typical MFC operative conditions were assessed by using electrochemical techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements gave insights into sample morphology and surface area. The results indicated that the C/ZrO2 sample with a ZrO2 loading of 25 wt % (C/ZrO2_25) represents the best compromise in terms of ORR activity and stability. C/ZrO2_25 was assembled into cathodes of a prototype single‐chamber MFC, which produced a maximum power density of 600 mW m−2. A comparative cost analysis of energy production indicated that the cost of energy delivered by MFCs assembled with a C/ZrO2 cathode was more than 15 times lower than that of MFCs assembled with a reference Pt/C cathode. Less film, more power: Mixtures of carbon black (C) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) were prepared by ball milling at different ZrO2 loadings (C/ZrO2) for application as cathodes of microbial fuel cells (see figure). The use of ZrO2 was found to have a favorable effect on electrode stability, by inhibiting the adsorption of the main components of feedstock solution and the formation of biofilm at the catalyst layer.

• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subject: Biofilms / Black carbon / Carbon / Cathodes / ceramics / Chemistry / cyclic voltammetry / Electrochemistry / Electrolytes / Fuel cells / Fuel technology / Investigations / microbial fuel cells / oxygen reduction reaction / Prototypes / Raw materials / Zirconium / Zirconium oxides