Application of anion exchange ionomer for oxygen reduction catalysts in microbial fuel cells

A hydrophilic anion exchange ionomer (AEI), quaternary 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane (DABCO) polysulphone (QDPSU) was synthesised and applied to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as the cathode catalyst binder for the first time. The electrochemical characterisations from half cell tests showed improved oxygen reduction activity from QDPSU compared to Nafion, due to the interaction between the ionomer and oxygen, and improved OH− transfer. The maximum power output of 0.340 W m− 2 was obtained from MFC polarisation carried out in wastewater using QDPSU, which was largely improved compared to using Nafion binder. From this study, low cost AEI QDPSU demonstrates promising applications on improving MFC power output by enhancing cathode ORR performance.

► Novel low cost hydrophilic anion exchange ionomer for fuel cells ► Enhanced catalyst activity from the interaction between the AEI and O2 ► First application of AEI as O2 reduction catalyst binder in microbial fuel cells ► Higher power output from MFCs with AEI due to cathode improvement