Graphene-modified electrodes for enhancing the performance of microbial fuel cells

Nanoscale. 2015 Apr 28;7(16):7022-9. doi: 10.1039/c4nr05637j.

Abstract

Graphene is an emerging material with superior physical and chemical properties, which can benefit the development of microbial fuel cells (MFC) in several aspects. Graphene-based anodes can enhance MFC performance with increased electron transfer efficiency, higher specific surface area and more active microbe-electrode-electrolyte interaction. For cathodic processes, oxygen reduction reaction is effectively catalyzed by graphene-based materials because of a favorable pathway and an increase in active sites and conductivity. Despite challenges, such as complexity in synthesis and property degeneration, graphene-based electrodes will be promising for developing MFCs and other bioelectrochemical systems to achieve sustainable water/wastewater treatment and bioenergy production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bioelectric Energy Sources*
  • Catalysis
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrodes
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods

Substances

  • Graphite
  • Oxygen