Power generation enhanced by a polyaniline–phytic acid modified filter electrode integrating microbial fuel cell with membrane bioreactor

•A MBR–MFC reactor for water treatment and electricity generation was tested.•Membrane was prepared by modifying polyester filter with polyaniline.•The PANi modified filter was applicable as electrodes.•The filter cloth was applicable as chamber separator.•Higher power density output was obtained in continuous operation.

A simple MBR–MFC system is developed for wastewater treatment and energy recovery without using any noble metal. A low cost, conductive polyester filter cloth, modified by in situ formed PANi (polyaniline)–phytic acid (PA) is tested as cathode, obtaining a maximum power density (44.80 mW/m2), using 500 Ω external resistor and graphite granule as the anode. Further, replacing graphite granule anode with the modified membrane, power density at 13.02 mW/m2 is obtained with inoculated Shewanellaoneidensis MR-1 (S.oneidensis MR-1). And the COD removal efficiencies can reach 95% in the integrated system. This suggests that the PANi–PA modified membrane is applicable as anode and cathode in MBR–MFC system for energy recovery.