Nanostructured polyaniline/titanium dioxide composite anode for microbial fuel cells.
A unique nanostructured polyaniline (PANI)/mesoporous TiO(2) composite was synthesized and explored as an anode in Escherichia coli microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The results of X-ray diffraction, morphology, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies demonstrate a networked nanostructure with uniform nanopore distribution and high specific surface area of the composite. The composite MFC anode was fabricated and its catalytic behavior investigated. Optimization of the anode shows that the composite with 30 wt % PANI gives the best bio- and electrocatalytic performance. A possible mechanism to explain the excellent performance is proposed. In comparison to previously reported work with E. coli MFCs, the composite anode delivers 2-fold higher power density (1495 mW/m(2)). Thus, it has great potential to be used as the anode for a high-power MFC and may also provide a new universal approach for improving different types of MFCs.
Qiao
Yan
Y
School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457.
Bao
Shu-Juan
SJ
Li
Chang Ming
CM
Cui
Xiao-Qiang
XQ
Lu
Zhi-Song
ZS
Guo
Jun
J
D000814:Aniline Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D055162:Biocatalysis; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources / Q000382:microbiology*; D004563:Electrochemistry; D004566:Electrodes; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000378:metabolism*; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D016062:Porosity; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*
D000814:Aniline Compounds; C416807:polyaniline; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium