Proposal for a Binder Blended with PTFE and Japanese Sumi Ink for the Cathode in Microbial Fuel Cells

Various issues, such as population growth, agriculture, and urban expansion, have led to the continuous degradation of water resources. To solve this problem, sustainable water treatment technologies are required. In water treatment, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted attention because of their low cost and low risk of cross-contamination. However, the performance of the MFC degrades because of microbial adhesion to the cathode. In this research, we proposed using a blend of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Japanese Sumi ink to prevent the adhesion of microbial cells to the cathode. The hydrophobic properties of PTFE prevented the adhesion of microbes on the cathode surface. In addition, the Sumi ink improved the electrical conductivity and physical stability of the cathode. It was confirmed that the hydrophobic properties of PTFE and the conductive and physical stability of Sumi ink could be fully exploited by adjusting the composition ratio of PTFE and Sumi ink.