Bioelectrochemical performance of microbial fuel cell powered electro-Fenton system (MFCⓅEFs) with composite PANI-Mn/CF anode

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell powered electro-Fenton system (MFCⓅEFs) is a self-sustainable energy conversion process to degrade refractory pollutants utilizing green biomass energy. Most previous works usually employed innovative cathode to minimize electron transfer losses but neglected the development of high-efficiency anode to enhance electron generation. The synergy of polyaniline (PANI) and MnO₂ on electrode could improve charge accessibility and facilitate rapid electron transfer due to its superior conductivity and capacitance, which had not been applied to MFCⓅEFs as anode so far. In this study, a PANI-Mn/CF (carbon fiber loaded with polyaniline and MnO₂) composite anode was introduced into MFCⓅEFs to enhance interface activity and realize more efficient electricity generation and pollutant degradation. Experimental results showed that a higher power density (5.49 times that of the original CF) and lower ohmic resistance (7.17 Ω) occurred in the MFCⓅEFs with PANI-Mn/CF anode, which consumed more sewage sludge (37.14% of TCOD removal), leading to achieving more effective pollutant degradation (93.03% of tetracycline hydrochloride removal). Overall, this study provided an innovative way of thinking and approach to efficient utilization of biomass waste and degradation of refractory pollutants with the merits of environmental sustainability.