title: Fabrication of macroporous chitosan scaffolds doped with carbon nanotubes and their characterization in microbial fuel cell operation.
abstract: Chitosan (CHIT) scaffolds doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) were fabricated and evaluated for their utility as a microbial fuel cell (MFC) anodic material. High resolution microscopy verified the ability of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to directly colonize CHIT-CNT scaffolds. Cross-linking agents 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodimide hydrochloride (EDC), glutaraldehyde and glyoxal were independently studied for their ability to strengthen the CHIT-CNT matrix without disrupting the final pore structure. 2.5 vol% glyoxal was found to be the optimal cross-linker in terms of porosity (BET surface area=30.2 m(2) g(-1)) and structural stability. Glyoxyl and EDC cross-linked CHIT-CNT scaffolds were then studied for their ability to transfer electrons to underlying glassy carbon. Results showed an open circuit cell voltage of 600 mV and a maximum power density of 4.75 W/m(3) at a current density of 16 A/m(3) was achieved in non stirred batch mode, which compares well with published data using carbon felt electrodes where a power density of 3.5 W/m(3) at a current density of 7 A/m(3) have been reported. Additionally, CHIT-CNT scaffolds were impregnated into carbon felt electrodes and these results suggest that CHIT-CNT scaffolds can be successfully integrated with multiple support materials to create hybrid electrode materials. Further, preliminary tests indicate that the integrated scaffolds offer a robust macroporous electrode material that can be used in flow-through configurations.
authors: Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
authors: Scott R
authors: SR
authors: Higgins
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Foerster
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Cheung
authors: Carolin
authors: C
authors: Lau
authors: Orianna
authors: O
authors: Bretschger
authors: Shelley D
authors: SD
authors: Minteer
authors: Ken
authors: K
authors: Nealson
authors: Plamen
authors: P
authors: Atanassov
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Cooney
mesh_terms: D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D002234:Carbodiimides / Q000494:pharmacology; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D048271:Chitosan; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004566:Electrodes; D004583:Electrons; D004867:Equipment Design; D005976:Glutaral / Q000494:pharmacology; D006037:Glyoxal / Q000494:pharmacology; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D016062:Porosity; D020592:Shewanella / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C518491:1-ethyl-3-(3-(diethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide; D002234:Carbodiimides; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D006037:Glyoxal; D002244:Carbon; D048271:Chitosan; D005976:Glutaral