Coupling of anodic and cathodic modification for increased power generation in microbial fuel cells

► Coupling effect of anodic and cathodic modification in single-chamber MFCs. ► Carbon mesh materials were modified by nitric acid or hydrazine hydrate to improve performance. ► Power density and CE after nitric acid modification of both electrodes enhanced by 38% and 32.2%. ► Chemical reduction method shortened accumulative time and enhanced power density.