Decorating anode with bamboo-like nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for microbial fuel cells

Anode electrodes play a key role in generating electricity from microbial fuel cells (MFCs) because they directly affect microbial activities. This communication reports the preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes with a bamboo-like nanostructure (Bamboo-NCNTs) by catalytic pyrolysis of ethylene diamine and application of the Bamboo-NCNTs as anode-modifying materials in MFCs. The Bamboo-NCNTs significantly improved performance of an MFC in current production and power output, and reduced internal resistance of the anode compared with conventional CNTs-modified and unmodified anodes. The improved performance could be attributed to the increased active sites induced by multiple joint structures and enhanced biocompatibility originated from nitrogen dopant.

► We synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes with bamboo shape (bamboo-NCNTs). ► The Bamboo-NCNTs were used to modify the anode electrode of microbial fuel cell. ► The Bamboo-NCNTs anode outperformed conventional CNTs anode. ► The Bamboo-NCNTs have more activate sites and better biocompatibility.