Application of surface-modified carbon powder in microbial fuel cells

The catalytic activity of surface-modified carbon powder, Vulcan XC-72R (XC), for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at an air cathode in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) has been investigated. The effects of treatment with different chemicals such as nitric acid and ammonia on the chemical characteristics of XC were studied. The catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Boehm titration, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. FTIR analysis showed that the functional groups of the materials were changed by chemical treatment, with nitric acid causing the introduction of oxygen-containing groups, and ammonia leading to the introduction of nitrogen-containing groups. Electrochemical measurements of MFCs containing various modified carbon materials as ORR catalysts were performed, and the results showed that chemically modified carbon materials are promising catalysts in MFCs.

Graphical AbstractThe introduction of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing surface functional groups onto carbon catalysts improved their catalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cells.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide