Electricity production in microbial fuel cells using brush bio-anode and bio-cathode made of PAN-based carbon fibers

摘要

Microbial fuel cells with brush bio-anode and bio-cathode made of PAN-based carbon fibers were constructed, and the electricity production was investigated. Experimental results indicate that both the anode and the cathode could be catalyzed by mixed bacterial cultures. Oxygen-reduction at the cathode could be carried out effectively with the assistance of catalytic action by bacteria, enhancing the electrochemical properties of the cathode. Stable electricity production could be obtained with maximum power 5.6 mW (corresponding power density ～2.1 W/m~3 MFC volume) when operating MFC in continuous flow mode. PAN-based carbon fibers were shown to be suitable electrode materials for MFCs, especially in systems for the future applications.