Deciphering mediating characteristics of decolorized intermediates for reductive decolorization and bioelectricity generation

As decolorized intermediates could play a role of electron-shuttling mediator to enhance the performance of dye decolorization and bioelectricity generation, this study selected model compounds with auxochromes (e.g., benzene-1,2-diol, 1,2-diaminobenzene) to explore how chemical structure(s) affected color removal and power producing capabilities in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). According to cyclic voltammetry, respiratory testing and MFC data, promising electron-shuttling capabilities of aforementioned compounds were revealed using Proteus hauseri ZMd44, Aeromonas sp. C78, Acinetobacter johnsonii NIUx72 bearing MFCs. These findings clearly indicated that chemical structure(s) of decolorized mediators directly affected characteristics of simultaneous reductive decolorization and bioelectricity generation in MFCs, suggesting feasible operation strategy of MFCs for industrial applications.

► Unveil effects of chemical structure on dye removal and bioelectricity generation.
► Disclose electron-shuttling characteristics of decolorized intermediate to MFCs.
► Explore biomass-based energy for energy recycling and wastewater decolorization.