Issue 20, 2019

PEDOT/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites on biochar as a free-standing anode for high-performance and durable microbial fuel cells

Abstract

Biochar (BC), prepared from the carbonization of neem wood, was modified with nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanorod/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) composite and directly employed as a free-standing and binder-free anode in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The morphological and X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrate that the cubic spinel-structured NiFe2O4 nanorods are homogeneously distributed over the sheet-like amorphous PEDOT. The bioelectrochemical activity of exoelectrogens is improved with PEDOT/NiFe2O4/BC as endorsed by the superior oxidation current in the voltammograms. Furthermore, the MFC with PEDOT/NiFe2O4/BC demonstrates a peak power of 1200 mW m−2 because of the unique catalytic nanoarchitectures, compact biofilm formation, continuous electron conduction paths, and elevated structural and chemical stabilities of PEDOT/NiFe2O4. The waste matter-derived electrode constituent, binder-free electrode modification, mediator-less electron transference, and considerable power generation associated with a proficient lifespan performance of PEDOT/NiFe2O4 open up a versatile avenue towards the development of cost-efficient, high-performance, and durable MFCs.

Graphical abstract: PEDOT/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites on biochar as a free-standing anode for high-performance and durable microbial fuel cells

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
05 Feb 2019
Accepted
09 Apr 2019
First published
10 Apr 2019

New J. Chem., 2019,43, 7743-7750

PEDOT/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites on biochar as a free-standing anode for high-performance and durable microbial fuel cells

N. Senthilkumar, M. Pannipara, A. G. Al-Sehemi and G. Gnana kumar, New J. Chem., 2019, 43, 7743 DOI: 10.1039/C9NJ00638A

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