Power generation enhanced by a polyaniline–phytic acid modified filter electrode integrating microbial fuel cell with membrane bioreactor

• A MBR–MFC reactor for water treatment and electricity generation was tested.
• Membrane was prepared by modifying polyester filter with polyaniline.
• The PANi modified filter was applicable as electrodes.
• The filter cloth was applicable as chamber separator.
• Higher power density output was obtained in continuous operation.

A simple MBR–MFC system is developed for wastewater treatment and energy recovery without using any noble metal. A low cost, conductive polyester filter cloth, modified by in situ formed PANi (polyaniline)–phytic acid (PA) is tested as cathode, obtaining a maximum power density (44.80 mW/m2), using 500 Ω external resistor and graphite granule as the anode. Further, replacing graphite granule anode with the modified membrane, power density at 13.02 mW/m2 is obtained with inoculated Shewanellaoneidensis MR-1 (S.oneidensis MR-1). And the COD removal efficiencies can reach 95% in the integrated system. This suggests that the PANi–PA modified membrane is applicable as anode and cathode in MBR–MFC system for energy recovery.