Waste biomass durian shell carbon to derive N-rich porous microbial fuel cell anode for simultaneous dye degradation and electricity generation

Abstract

Waste biomass is an ideal material for electrode modification of low-cost and high-performance microbial fuel cell (MFC). MFC is mainly committed to effectively improve the power generation performance and degradation performance through anode modification. In this study, a biomass-derived N-rich 3D macroporous MFC anode (PPy-DSC/CF) with high conductivity, superhydrophilicity, and biocompatibility was successfully prepared by in-situ polymerization of pyrrole on the surface of carbonized durian shell (DS) using carbon mats as the substrate material. PPy successfully increased the pyrrole-N content of the DSC, and the more graphitized structure could improve the conductivity of the biochar. High electrical conductivity of biochar catalyzes the RhB degradation by electron transfer. Meanwhile, the rich macroporous structure of 3D PPy-DSC/CF electrode material is crucial for the attachment, growth, biofilm formation and electron transfer of electroactive bacteria. It achieved the highest power density output of 5184 mW/m³ and 91.26 % COD removal efficiency. The RhB degradation efficiency reached 96.36 %. This study provides a new strategy for biomass-derived porous carbon electrodes for energy utilization and MFC electrochemical systems to achieve environmental sustainability.