Effect of surface modification of anode with surfactant on the performance of microbial fuel cell

摘要

Surface modification of anode using surfactant has great influence on the electrical performance of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). In this study, the effect of surface-modified exfoliated graphite used for anode fabrication on a cube-type MFC batch reactor was examined. The surface exfoliated graphite was modified with 5-mM anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate. Anaerobic sludge used as inoculum containing 70 (v/v) of artificial wastewater and 30 (v/v) of seed sludge in an anode chamber and air cathode was used in cathode side. Anode modification was explored as an approach to enhance the start-up and improve the performance of the reactor. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the morphology and activity of electrochemically active bacteria. In the study, the start-up time of MFC required to approach stable voltage was substantially reduced, and the maximum stable voltage was higher than the control. In addition, the activation resistance of the MFC was considerably reduced, and the maximum power density (1640mW/m(2)) was 20 higher than control. However, when the surface of exfoliated graphite was modified with over 10-mM anionic surfactant, some negative effects on start-up time, activation resistance and maximum power density were observed. This modification also enhanced the bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on the modified anode surface. The result suggested that surface modification anode with surfactant is effective for electrical responses achieved in the MFC. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.