Application of anion exchange ionomer for oxygen reduction catalysts in microbial fuel cells

摘要

A hydrophilic anion exchange ionomer (AEI), quaternary 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2. 2.2]-octane (DABCO) polysulphone (QDPSU) was synthesised and applied to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as the cathode catalyst binder for the first time. The electrochemical characterisations from half cell tests showed improved oxygen reduction activity from QDPSU compared to Nafion, due to the interaction between the ionomer and oxygen, and improved OH - transfer. The maximum power output of 0.340 W m ~(- 2) was obtained from MFC polarisation carried out in wastewater using QDPSU, which was largely improved compared to using Nafion binder. From this study, low cost AEI QDPSU demonstrates promising applications on improving MFC power output by enhancing cathode ORR performance.