Influence of anode surface chemistry on microbial fuel cell operation

•The influence of anode surface chemistry on MFC performance was studied.•Different SAM substratum affects the composition of the electroactive biofilm.•Positive charged surface modification with enhanced electrochemical output.•N(CH3)3+ had the shortest start up and the highest current (225 μA cm− 2) and power generated (40 μW cm− 2).•Clostridia and δ-Proteobacteria on the anode surfaces suggest a synergistic cooperation.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) modified gold anodes are used in single chamber microbial fuel cells for organic removal and electricity generation. Hydrophilic (N(CH3)3+, OH, COOH) and hydrophobic (CH3) SAMs are examined for their effect on bacterial attachment, current and power output. The different substratum chemistry affects the community composition of the electrochemically active biofilm formed and thus the current and power output. Of the four SAM-modified anodes tested, N(CH3)3+ results in the shortest start up time (15 days), highest current achieved (225 μA cm− 2) and highest MFC power density (40 μW cm− 2), followed by COOH (150 μA cm− 2 and 37 μW cm− 2) and OH (83 μA cm− 2 and 27 μW cm− 2) SAMs. Hydrophobic SAM decreases electrochemically active bacteria attachment and anode performance in comparison to hydrophilic SAMs (CH3 modified anodes 7 μA cm− 2 anodic current and 1.2 μW cm− 2 MFC's power density). A consortium of Clostridia and δ-Proteobacteria is found on all the anode surfaces, suggesting a synergistic cooperation under anodic conditions.