摘要
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a bioelectrochemical system that can directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy through microorganisms. Owing to inefficient oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) at the cathode, MFCs suffer from low power output. Herein, we improve the ORR efficiency of MFCs by developing non-noble metal catalysts with enhanced ORR activity and electrochemical stability. We use iron chloride and ammonia solution to synthesize iron- and nitrogen-modified Trapa natans husk-derived activated carbons (TNH–Fe–N) as the cathode material. Material analysis shows that TNH–Fe–N has a higher surface area and more active sites than the unmodified sample, favoring ORRs at the cathode and enhancing power generation in MFCs. Electrochemical analysis shows that MFCs with TNH–Fe1–N have an average power output of 2492 mW m−2, outperforming those with an unmodified sample (2237 mW m−2). Our results show that TNH–Fe–N is a promising material as a cathode for MFCs.
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•Fe and N-modified Trapa natans husk-derived activated carbons are used as cathode.•TNH–Fe–N has a high surface area and active sites, favoring ORRs at the cathode.•MFCs with TNH–Fe1–N have an average power output of 2492 mW m−2.