Abstract
Abstract
A novel microbial fuel cell (MFC) was designed to recover Cu2+ from simulated electroplating wastewater. The BES has two chambers separated by a bipolar membrane and two cathodes. To explore the rate controlling step affecting Cu2+ deposition rate, spatial mass distribution and its deposition process during Cu2+ deposition on MFC cathode. A two-dimensional, transient model was built to study the factors that limiting Cu2+ deposition in MFC. We found that the formation of ion scarcity zone would decrease Cu2+ deposition rate, which leading to mass transfer limiting Cu2+ reduction on cathode surface (x=0 m). While near the cathode tip (x=0.02 m), the highest deposition rate and thickness was obtained. Furthermore, diffusion and electro-migration of Cu2+ were synergistic to improve Cu2+ reduction efficiency, and electro-migration of Cu2+ had a great impact on Cu2+ transferring from electrolyte domain to electrode surface. This research provided a new studying direction for heavy metal wastewater treatment and metal separation and recovery in the electroplating industry to improve metal ions deposition rate.