Boosting the Power Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells by Using Dual Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Felt Electrodes
Krishna Thapa, Wenyan Liu, Yuwei Zhang, David Westenberg, Yishu Zhou, Risheng Wang
Abstract
Innovative design enhancements to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are pivotal for improving their viability as renewable energy sources. This study introduces a dual approach to electrode modification, integrating polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on carbon felt (CF) anodes coupled with a unique cathode composed of DNA origami and chitosan. The synergistic effect of PANI and AuNPs significantly increases the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the anode, leading to a considerable surge in power density. Concurrently, the biocompatible DNA origami and chitosan-functionalized cathode facilitates efficient electron transfer without relying on conventional catalysts. Together, these modifications yield a 52.42% increase in the maximum power density, illustrating a scalable and economical path to potentiate MFCs. The findings present a promising avenue for advancing MFC technology, emphasizing the potential of nanomaterials in enhancing bioelectrochemical systems. This succinct yet comprehensive strategy marks a step forward in the practical application of MFCs for sustainable energy production.