Work

Photopolymer-Based Carbon with Iron Nanoparticles as Electrodes in Microbial Fuel Cells for Efficient Industrial Effluent Wastewater Treatment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Accelerated industrial development demands the search for efficient remediation technologies. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have the capacity to remediate organic matter-rich effluent by utilizing bacteria as biocatalysts capable of oxidizing organic material while simultaneously producing electricity. In this paper, a novel electrode is prepared through the carbonization of a tailored photopolymer with iron nanoparticles and carbon black (C-iNPCB) and its performance tested as an anode using dual chamber MFCs for the remediation of paper recycling plant effluent. Its efficiency is compared to a graphite rod (GR) and a carbon black-coated 3D-printed structure (3D-CB). The paper effluent containing chemical oxygen demand 5.0 g/L was used as feedstock in the MFCs. The GR anode (0.91 A/m2; 0.32 W/m2) and 3D-CB anode (0.88 A/m2; 0.30 W/m2) both achieved 56% COD removal, while the C-iNPCB-anode (5.71 A/m2; 3.75 W/m2) was the best performing, with over 80% COD removal. The photopolymerized doped anode exhibited superior performance in terms of both organic matter oxidation and conductivity, indicating higher effectiveness of this type of electrode in MFC technology.

Source: Catalysts

DOI: 10.3390/catal16040348

Authors: Ricardo da Silva Furlan, Noelia Corrochano, Rodrigo Brackmann, Mariana de Souza Sikora, Carlos Sotelo-Vazquez, Jose L. Diaz de Tuesta

Institutions: Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654