Jamme Omar A. Biscocho, R. Almazán, Francis Emralino et al.

Sinaya A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students • 2023

While promising as an energy production alternative through its sustainability and wastewater treatment utility, a microbial fuel cell is not widely used due to its low power output and high cost. The development of advanced electrode materials is currently being pursued to solve this problem. A zinc-graphene quantum dot nanocomposite was modeled using percolation theory as a prospective advanced electrode material. During extracellular electron transfer, the electrical conductivity properties of the material were studied through cellular percolation models, percolation probability functions, and electrical conductivity curves. These models were compared against those of the conventional graphite electrodes and the leading graphene electrodes. The nanocomposite was found to conduct at low probabilities of open sites and exhibit the highest electrical conductivity of the three materials for the longest duration across the interval. Based on the models, Zn-GQD was demonstrated to be an ideal MFC electrode material for its balance between the early onset of conduction and decently high electrical conductivity.

Zhisheng Lv, Wenlong Li, Le Yang et al.

ACS Energy Letters • 2019

A customizable electrochemical energy storage device is a key component for the realization of next-generation wearable and biointegrated electronics. This Perspective begins with a brief introduction of the drive for customizable electrochemical energy storage devices. It traces the first-decade development trajectory of the customizable electrochemical energy storage devices. It then discusses the challenges and future directions, calling for such devices that allow users to select, design, and change the properties (including capacity, flexibility, shapes, and functionalities) according to real-life needs. Leveraging these customizable electrochemical energy storage devices will shed light on smarter programmable electrochemical energy storage devices to power future wearable and biointegrated electronics.

Liuwei Wang, Yong Sik Ok, Daniel C.W. Tsang et al.

Soil Use and Management • 2020

Abstract As a waste‐derived soil amendment with a long history, biochar has received extensive attention for its capability to improve soil fertility/health; remove or immobilize contaminants in soil, water and air; and mitigate climate change. With the aim of producing engineered biochars with excellent performances, new trends in biochar pyrolytic production and modification strategies have emerged. This review critically summarizes novel pyrolysis methods (e.g., microwave‐assisted pyrolysis, co‐pyrolysis and wet pyrolysis) and modification approaches (e.g., mineral modification, photocatalytic modification, electrochemical modification) with a focus on (a) the mechanisms involved in environmental remediation processes including soil immobilization, contaminant adsorption and catalytic oxidation; (b) effects of feedstock and pyrolysis conditions on physicochemical properties; (c) sustainability considerations in novel modification and pyrolysis strategies; and (d) the feasibility of extrapolating the results from wastewater treatment to soil remediation. It is argued that in order to achieve the maximum net environmental benefits, ‘greener’ modification methods are warranted, and the risks associated with pyrolysis of contaminated feedstock in soil amendment and contaminant sorption can be minimized through various novel approaches (e.g., co‐pyrolysis). Furthermore, novel pyrolysis methods can be combined with emerging modification strategies to synthesize more ‘effective’ biochars. Considering the similar aims of modification (e.g., increase surface area, introduce oxygen‐containing functional groups, increase aromaticity), the applicability of several novel approaches could in future can be expanded from contaminant adsorption/degradation in aqueous media to soil remediation/fertility improvement.

Qiongyao Peng, Jingsi Chen, Tao Wang et al.

InfoMat • 2020

Abstract Flexible electronics have emerged as an exciting research area in recent years, serving as ideal interfaces bridging biological systems and conventional electronic devices. Flexible electronics can not only collect physiological signals for human health monitoring but also enrich our daily life with multifunctional smart materials and devices. Conductive hydrogels (CHs) have become promising candidates for the fabrication of flexible electronics owing to their biocompatibility, adjustable mechanical flexibility, good conductivity, and multiple stimuli‐responsive properties. To achieve on‐demand mechanical properties such as stretchability, compressibility, and elasticity, the rational design of polymer networks via modulating chemical and physical intermolecular interactions is required. Moreover, the type of conductive components (eg, electron‐conductive materials, ions) and the incorporation method also play an important role in the conductivity of CHs. Electron‐CHs usually possess excellent conductivity, while ion‐CHs are generally transparent and can generate ion gradients within the hydrogel matrices. This mini review focuses on the recent advances in the design of CHs, introducing various design strategies for electron‐CHs and ion‐CHs employed in flexible electronics and highlighting their versatile applications such as biosensors, batteries, supercapacitors, nanogenerators, actuators, touch panels, and displays. image

Jiajun Fan, Chao Cai, Haifeng Chi et al.

Journal of Hazardous Materials • 2020

Emmanuel Ogungbemi, Oluwatosin Ijaodola, F.N. Khatib et al.

Energy • 2019

Lin Zhang, Wenya Du, Amit Nautiyal et al.

Science China Materials • 2018

Yukuo Liu, Xi He, Lifeng Shi et al.

ACS Applied Energy Materials • 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their capacity to generate bioelectricity, a sustainable energy source, while simultaneously treating wastewater. Nevertheless, the primary obstacle impeding their advancement beyond laboratory settings is their suboptimal power production efficiency. One of the most effective methods for enhancing the power generation efficiency of MFCs is to improve the electrode materials. MXene is a new two-dimensional transition metal carbide nanomaterial analogous to graphene. It exhibits hydrophilic characteristics, a high specific surface area, chemical stability, and superior electrical conductivity. The three-dimensional MXene composite was deposited onto the CC (carbon cloth) electrode, and its electrochemical capacity was evaluated. The stable voltage of the 3D MXene/CC electrode MDC during three consecutive typical cycles is 0.76 V, the stable time is about 4000 min, the maximum power density is 4.235 W/m3, the internal resistance is about 400 Ω, and the average coulomb efficiency is 27.38%. The findings indicate that the 3D MXene/CC electrode exhibits a reduction in charge transfer resistance and an augmentation of areal capacitance in comparison to the conventional CC electrode. This demonstrates superior electrochemical performance and holds vast potential for application in the bioelectrochemical domain.

Wei Xu, Dongwei Du, Rong Lan et al.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental • 2016

Electrochemical remediation of ammonia-containing wastewater at low cell voltage is an energy-effective technology which can simultaneously recover energy via hydrogen evolution reaction. One of the main challenges is to identify a robust, highly active and inexpensive anode for ammonia electrooxidation. Here we present an alternative anode, prepared by electrochemical co-deposition of Ni and Cu onto carbon paper. This NiCu bimetallic catalyst is characterised by scanning electron microscope, scanning transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. The stability and activity of NiCu bimetallic catalyst are largely improved in comparison with Ni or Cu catalyst. Moreover this noble-metal-free NiCu catalyst even performs better than Pt/C catalyst, as NiCu is not poisoned by ammonia. An ammonia electrolysis cell is fabricated with NiCu/carbon paper as anode for ammonia electrolysis. The influences of pH value, applied cell voltages and initial ammonia concentration on cell current density, ammonia removal and energy efficiency are tested. An ammonia removal efficiency of ∼80% and coulombic efficiency up to ∼92% have been achieved. Ni-Cu bimetal on carbon paper is a stable non-noble anode for efficient electrooxidation of ammonia.

Yumeng Zhao, Meng Sun, Xiaoxiong Wang et al.

Nature Communications • 2020

The importance of singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) in the environmental and biomedical fields has motivated research for effective 1 O 2 production. Electrocatalytic processes hold great potential for highly-automated and scalable 1 O 2 synthesis, but they are energy- and chemical-intensive. Herein, we present a Janus electrocatalytic membrane realizing ultra-efficient 1 O 2 production (6.9 mmol per m 3 of permeate) and very low energy consumption (13.3 Wh per m 3 of permeate) via a fast, flow-through electro-filtration process without the addition of chemical precursors. We confirm that a superoxide-mediated chain reaction, initiated by electrocatalytic oxygen reduction on the cathodic membrane side and subsequently terminated by H 2 O 2 oxidation on the anodic membrane side, is crucial for 1 O 2 generation. We further demonstrate that the high 1 O 2 production efficiency is mainly attributable to the enhanced mass and charge transfer imparted by nano- and micro-confinement effects within the porous membrane structure. Our findings highlight a new electro-filtration strategy and an innovative reactive membrane design for synthesizing 1 O 2 for a broad range of potential applications including environmental remediation.

Yahao Li, Qingyu Li, Hongqiang Wang et al.

Electrochemical Energy Reviews • 2019

Abstract Electrochemical energy storage systems such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries can be used as clean power sources for electric vehicles. In these systems, one necessary reaction at the cathode is the catalysis of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is the rate-determining factor affecting overall system performance. Therefore, to increase the rate of ORR for enhanced system performances, efficient electrocatalysts are essential. And although ORR electrocatalysts have been intensively explored and developed, significant breakthroughs have yet been achieved in terms of catalytic activity, stability, cost and associated electrochemical system performance. Based on this, this review will comprehensively present the recent progresses of ORR electrocatalysts, including precious metal catalysts, non-precious metal catalysts, single-atom catalysts and metal-free catalysts. In addition, major technical challenges are analyzed and possible future research directions to overcome these challenges are proposed to facilitate further research and development toward practical application. Graphic Abstract

Abdul Sattar Jatoi, Nabi Bux Mallah, Jawad Ahmed et al.

Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery • 2024

Tianshu Wang, Peibo Shi, Mingyu Wang et al.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research • 2023

Oily sewage discharged from ships has brought many harms to the marine environment, even endangered marine life and human life. As a new type of water treatment technology, microbial fuel cell (MFC) can efficiently treat pollutants and recover energy, which can be converted into electric energy. However, its large internal resistance restricts its development. In order to solve the problems of low power generation performance and poor biocompatibility of microbial fuel cell, a gold nanoparticle-carbon quantum dot/polydopamine/graphene oxide/bacterial cellulose (AuNP-CQD/PDA/GO/BC) electrode was prepared, and it was applied to the treatment of oily sewage from ships. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and contact angle measuring instrument were used to characterize the electrode. The results show that PDA bridges GO and AuNP-CQD particles through the electrostatic interaction/π-π bond/hydrogen bonding, respectively. This attracts a large number of microorganisms to attach to the surface of the porous anode material, which greatly improves the activity and quantity of microorganisms. Moreover, the maximum power density of AuNP-CQD/PDA/GO/BC electrode is 2624.91 mW/m 2 , which obviously improves the electrochemical performance of MFC. The oil content of the treated water is ≤ 15 mg/L, reaching the discharge of MARPOL 73/78 convention. Therefore, the proposed approach has paved new dimensions in not only the preparation of a new composite electrode materials but also its applications as effective degradation of ship oily sewage in MFC.

Le Tao, Zhenhao Hou, Lei Bi et al.

Chemical Engineering Journal • 2023

Deliang Guo, Xinru Wang, Qikai Fu et al.

Chemosphere • 2024

Oscar Guadarrama‐Pérez, Victoria Bustos‐Terrones, Víctor Hugo Guadarrama-Pérez et al.

Electrochemistry Communications • 2023

Constructed wetlands-microbial fuel cells (CW-MFC) are an innovative technology used for simultaneous bioelectricity generation and wastewater treatment. This is possible due to the installation of macrophytes in an electrode configuration, in which electroactive microorganisms use organic substrates as biofuel. One way to improve the electrochemical performance of CW-MFCs is through the impregnation of cathodic electrocatalysts. Therefore, in this study the bioelectricity production capacity of CW-MFCs was evaluated from the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). For this study, the concentrations 0 (CW-MFC1), 0.5 (CW-MFC2), and 1 mg/cm2 (CW-MFC3) of graphene/titanium dioxide (G/TiO2) as electrocatalyst on the cathodes were evaluated. Using the Koutecky-Levich analysis, it was determined that the ORR transfer mechanism arises via a 4-electron pathway. The electrokinetic parameters of Tafel slope, charge transfer coefficient, and exchange current density determined the efficiency of the ORR, registering 92 mV/dec, 0.93 (α), and 2.30 x10-3 mA/cm2, respectively for CW-MFC3. The highest electrochemical performance was obtained at a concentration of 1 mg/cm2 (CW-MFC3) of G/TiO2, generating 144 mW/m2 of power density, 157 Ω of internal resistance, −150 mV of anodic potential, and 383 mV of cathodic potential. The surface modification carried out on the cathodes resulted in a catalytic increase in the ORR.

Anil Dhanda, S.M. Sathe, Brajesh Dubey et al.

Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery • 2024

Sambhu Sapkota, Matthew Hummel, Mahzuzah Zahan et al.

Inorganics • 2024

Human society annually produces nearly 100 billion gallons of wastewater, containing approximately 3600 GWh of energy. This study introduces a proof of concept utilizing graphene materials to extract and instantly store this energy. A hybrid device, mimicking a microbial fuel cell, acts as both a battery and supercapacitor. Wastewater serves as the electrolyte, with indigenous microorganisms on the graphene electrode acting as biocatalysts. The device features a capacitive electrode using a 3D nickel foam modified with a plasma-exfoliated graphene mixture. Compared to controls, the Gr/Ni configuration shows a 150-fold increase in power output (2.58 W/m2) and a 48-fold increase in current density (12 A/m2). The Gr/Ni/biofilm interface demonstrates outstanding charge storage capability (19,400 F/m2) as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemical tests were employed to elucidate the superior performance of Gr/Ni electrodes. Ultimately, the capacitive energy extracted from wastewater can power small electrical equipment in water infrastructure, addressing energy needs in remote regions without access to a typical power grid.

Juan Pablo, Nicholas E. Jackson, Michael A. Webb et al.

npj Computational Materials • 2019

Abstract The Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) advanced a new paradigm for materials discovery and design, namely that the pace of new materials deployment could be accelerated through complementary efforts in theory, computation, and experiment. Along with numerous successes, new challenges are inviting researchers to refocus the efforts and approaches that were originally inspired by the MGI. In May 2017, the National Science Foundation sponsored the workshop “Advancing and Accelerating Materials Innovation Through the Synergistic Interaction among Computation, Experiment, and Theory: Opening New Frontiers” to review accomplishments that emerged from investments in science and infrastructure under the MGI, identify scientific opportunities in this new environment, examine how to effectively utilize new materials innovation infrastructure, and discuss challenges in achieving accelerated materials research through the seamless integration of experiment, computation, and theory. This article summarizes key findings from the workshop and provides perspectives that aim to guide the direction of future materials research and its translation into societal impacts.

Byung‐Moon Jun, Sewoon Kim, Jiyong Heo et al.

Nano Research • 2018

Energy and environmental issues presently attract a great deal of scientific attention. Recently, two-dimensional MXenes and MXene-based nanomaterials have attracted increasing interest because of their unique properties (e.g., remarkable safety, a very large interlayer spacing, environmental flexibility, a large surface area, and thermal conductivity). In 2011, multilayered MXenes (Ti3C2Tx, a new family of two-dimensional (2D) materials) produced by etching an A layer from a MAX phase of Ti3AlC2, were first described by researchers at Drexel University. The term “MXene” was coined to distinguish this new family of 2D materials from graphene, and applies to both the original MAX phases and MXenes fabricated from them. We present a comprehensive review of recent studies on energy and environmental applications of MXene and MXene-based nanomaterials, including energy conversion and storage, adsorption, membrane, photocatalysis, and antimicrobial. Future research needs are discussed briefly with current challenges that must be overcome before we completely understand the extraordinary properties of MXene and MXene-based nanomaterials.

Srinivas Gadipelli, Tingting Zhao, Stephen A. Shevlin et al.

Energy & Environmental Science • 2016

Effective oxygen reduction/evolution nanoporous cobalt–nitrogen–carbon based catalysts are developed from rationally designed single-precursor Co x Zn 100−x –ZIF-8 with controlled graphitization.

Fátima Borja-Maldonado, Miguel Ángel López Zavala

Heliyon • 2024

Dual-chamber microbial fuel cells (DC-MFC) are devices that can be used to generate electricity through the degradation of substrates. In this study, the performance of DC-MFC with novel electrode materials is evaluated under different external resistance using a hydrochloric acid solution as catholyte. Hydrophilic-treated graphene was used as the electrode material, DuPont TM Nafion 117 was used as the proton exchange membrane and domestic wastewater served as the substrate. The maximum power density achieved was 32.05 m W ⋅ m - 2 , obtained by degrading 69.8% of organic matter when an external resistance of 100 Ω was used as electrical load. This power density was 32 times higher than the power density obtained in the control (1.01 m W ⋅ m - 2 ). This result obtained was similar to those reported in the literature for small-scale DC-MFC systems. And, contrary to the reported trend that as the scale of MFCs increase, the efficiency decreases. It can be stipulated with these results that is possible to scale up DC-MFC to medium-scale systems without loss performance quality by selecting the appropriate external resistance, catholyte and electrode materials.

Guo Liu, Xiaofeng Zhang, Xuliang Chen et al.

Materials Science and Engineering R Reports • 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, has boomed over the last 30 years, and its use has accelerated during the last 5 years. AM is a materials-oriented manufacturing technology, and printing resolution versus printing scalability/speed trade-off exists among various types of materials, including polymers, metals, ceramics, glasses, and composite materials. Four-dimensional (4D) printing, together with versatile transformation systems, drives researchers to achieve and utilize high dimensional AM. Multiple perspectives of the AM of structural materials have been raised and illustrated in this review, including multi-material AM (MMa-AM), multi-modulus AM (MMo-AM), multi-scale AM (MSc-AM), multi-system AM (MSy-AM), multi-dimensional AM (MD-AM), and multi-function AM (MF-AM). The rapid and tremendous development of AM materials and methods offers great potential for structural applications, such as in the aerospace field, the biomedical field, electronic devices, nuclear industry, flexible and wearable devices, soft sensors, actuators, and robotics, jewelry and art decorations, land transportation, underwater devices, and porous structures.

Ganjar Samudro, Tsuyoshi Imai, Alissara Reungsang

Process Safety and Environmental Protection • 2022

Marco Favaro, Beomgyun Jeong, Philip N. Ross et al.

Nature Communications • 2016

The electrochemical double layer plays a critical role in electrochemical processes. Whilst there have been many theoretical models predicting structural and electrical organization of the electrochemical double layer, the experimental verification of these models has been challenging due to the limitations of available experimental techniques. The induced potential drop in the electrolyte has never been directly observed and verified experimentally, to the best of our knowledge. In this study, we report the direct probing of the potential drop as well as the potential of zero charge by means of ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed under polarization conditions. By analyzing the spectra of the solvent (water) and a spectator neutral molecule with numerical simulations of the electric field, we discern the shape of the electrochemical double layer profile. In addition, we determine how the electrochemical double layer changes as a function of both the electrolyte concentration and applied potential.

Fubao Zhang, Xianming Wang, Haonan Liu et al.

Applied Sciences • 2019

Along with the development of industry and the improvement of people’s living standards, peoples’ demand on resources has greatly increased, causing energy crises and environmental pollution. In recent years, photocatalytic technology has shown great potential as a low-cost, environmentally-friendly, and sustainable technology, and it has become a hot research topic. However, current photocatalytic technology cannot meet industrial requirements. The biggest challenge in the industrialization of photocatalyst technology is the development of an ideal photocatalyst, which should possess four features, including a high photocatalytic efficiency, a large specific surface area, a full utilization of sunlight, and recyclability. In this review, starting from the photocatalytic reaction mechanism and the preparation of the photocatalyst, we review the classification of current photocatalysts and the methods for improving photocatalytic performance; we also further discuss the potential industrial usage of photocatalytic technology. This review also aims to provide basic and comprehensive information on the industrialization of photocatalysis technology.

Carlos García Núñez, Libu Manjakkal, Ravinder Dahiya

npj Flexible Electronics • 2018

Abstract Energy autonomy is key to the next generation portable and wearable systems for several applications. Among these, the electronic-skin or e -skin is currently a matter of intensive investigations due to its wider applicability in areas, ranging from robotics to digital health, fashion and internet of things (IoT). The high density of multiple types of electronic components (e.g. sensors, actuators, electronics, etc.) required in e -skin, and the need to power them without adding heavy batteries, have fuelled the development of compact flexible energy systems to realize self-powered or energy-autonomous e -skin. The compact and wearable energy systems consisting of energy harvesters, energy storage devices, low-power electronics and efficient/wireless power transfer-based technologies, are expected to revolutionize the market for wearable systems and in particular for e -skin. This paper reviews the development in the field of self-powered e -skin, particularly focussing on the available energy-harvesting technologies, high capacity energy storage devices, and high efficiency power transmission systems. The paper highlights the key challenges, critical design strategies, and most promising materials for the development of an energy-autonomous e -skin for robotics, prosthetics and wearable systems. This paper will complement other reviews on e -skin, which have focussed on the type of sensors and electronics components.

Nengwu Zhu, Yu Lü, Bowen Liu et al.

Journal of Nanoparticle Research • 2017

Siru Song, Mingchuan Zhang, Xinyang Xu

Environmental Technology • 2021

To construct a simultaneous nitrification and denitrification-microbial fuel cell (SND-MFC) reactor for stable electricity generation, a heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification strain was isolated and purified from aerobic activated sludge from a sewage treatment plant. The strain with an optimal nitrogen removal performance, which was identified as Pseudomonas , was inoculated into the SND-MFC as a single strain. Different electrode materials and electrode distances (EDs) were investigated. The results showed that a maximum ammonium removal rate of 92.31% and a maximum power density of 134.28 mW/m 3 were obtained by the SND-MFC using graphene film as the electrodes material. Decreasing the ED did not significantly improved the power generation performance of the pure strain SND-MFC at the initial stage. When the electrode distance of the SND-MFC was 4 cm, the best generation efficiency was achieved with a maximum power density of 151.84 mW/m 3 .

Amit Chaturvedi, Patit Paban Kundu

Journal of Hazardous Toxic and Radioactive Waste • 2022

Since the early beginning, attention has been paid to the prospective application of two-dimensional (2D) graphene (Gr) nanomaterial applications due to its exceptional conductivity, huge surface area, and high mechanical strength. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are one of these vital potential applications. The restricted energy production of MFCs compared with other fuel cell technologies and expensive materials are the two major hindrances in its practical application. Gr is proposed for use in the MFC assembly to overcome such challenges either as an electrode or membrane material to increase the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiently. The synthesis procedure for Gr-based electrodes and membranes is complex, expensive, and energy-inefficient and contains harmful chemicals for a scaled-up application. Therefore, there is a further need for focused research into the design and synthesis of Gr-based electrodes and membrane materials. However, regardless of these challenges, Gr-based electrodes are a favorable alternative in MFCs’ assembly to attain sustainable wastewater treatment and electricity production. Considering these facts, the objective of this critical review is to assess the latest developments in the Gr applications in MFCs, aiming at Gr background, including properties, Gr synthesis, wastewater treatment, and power generation, which will help to understand the perception of Gr in MFC operation.

Xinmin Liu, Yanjie Niu, Lingyun Wang et al.

Energy & Fuels • 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (Gr) modified carbon cloth (CC) cathode were prepared by in situ polymerization method using polyaniline (PANI) as an adhesive. Different modified electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. These different cathodes were used in anaerobic fluidized bed microbial fuel cell (AFB-MFC) to treat the synthetic m-cresol wastewater. The results showed that the maximum power densities of AFB-MFC with the Gr-modified cathode (PANI + Pt/C + Gr), the CNT-modified cathode (PANI + Pt/C + CNTs), and the Pt/C cathode (PANI + Pt/C) were 910.40, 445.14, and 127.07 mW/m2, respectively. In addition, the removal efficiency of m-cresol in AFB-MFC with PANI + Pt/C + Gr is 91.76%, while the corresponding values in AFB-MFC with PANI + Pt/C + CNTs and PANI + Pt/C are 91.72 and 89.26%, respectively. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) was used to detect metabolites of m-cresol. It was proved that m-cresol was degraded to protocatechol and then to 2-dimethylsuccinic acid. The energy of m-cresol degradation pathway was analyzed by Materials Studio (MS) software, and the control step of m-cresol degradation was determined.

Yaohong Ma, Leilei Xiao, Yunwei Wei et al.

Chemosphere • 2021

Qiaowan Chang, Pu Zhang, Amir Hassan Bagherzadeh Mostaghimi et al.

Nature Communications • 2020

Electrochemical synthesis of H 2 O 2 through a selective two-electron (2e - ) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an attractive alternative to the industrial anthraquinone oxidation method, as it allows decentralized H 2 O 2 production. Herein, we report that the synergistic interaction between partially oxidized palladium (Pd δ+ ) and oxygen-functionalized carbon can promote 2e - ORR in acidic electrolytes. An electrocatalyst synthesized by solution deposition of amorphous Pd δ+ clusters (Pd 3 δ+ and Pd 4 δ+ ) onto mildly oxidized carbon nanotubes (Pd δ+ -OCNT) shows nearly 100% selectivity toward H 2 O 2 and a positive shift of ORR onset potential by ~320 mV compared with the OCNT substrate. A high mass activity (1.946 A mg -1 at 0.45 V) of Pd δ+ -OCNT is achieved. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure characterization and density functional theory calculations suggest that the interaction between Pd clusters and the nearby oxygen-containing functional groups is key for the high selectivity and activity for 2e - ORR.

Jih-Hsing Chang, Mohanraj Kumar, S. Selvaraj et al.

Industrial Crops and Products • 2024

Yuvraj Maphrio Mao, Khairunnisa Amreen, Sanket Goel

IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience • 2024

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) have recently gained attention, as they are inexpensive, green in nature, and sustainable. As per the report, by Allied Market Research the global market size of MFCs will increase from $ 264.8 million in 2021 to $ 452.2 million in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%. The present work is a comparative study of various types of electrolytes that can be used in MFCs. The working electrodes were printed using conducting graphene-based Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments with the help of a 3D printer under the principle of the fused deposition method. Simulated electrolytes and natural environmental microbial electrolytes were used here. Also, electrolytes of pure E. coli culture were studied. Lake water reported the highest power density of 8.259 mW/cm2 while Stale E. Coli reported the lowest around 0.184 mW/cm2. The study comprehensively lists potential wastewaters that can fuel the MFCs. With the pioneering of various comparative studies of electrolytes, one can insight into the recruitment of electrolytes with high-performance benchmarks for miniaturized energy storage and other microelectronics applications.

Aashray Narla, Dhruv Upadhyaya, Sivakumar Amaravati et al.

ECS Transactions • 2017

This study is focused on the production of low power density energy using a single chamber Microbial fuel cell (MFC). The potential, developed between the bacterial metabolic activity and electron acceptor, was separated by a membrane (perfluro sulphonic acid membrane in this case) manifesting bioelectricity generation. The achievable power output from MFCs can be tuned by modifying the system design, such as optimization of the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) structure, cell operating conditions, and the choice of biocatalyst. The advantages for implantable application are biocompatibility and natural, safe and light, continuous power output, minimal invasiveness, long life cycle, easy to integrate electronics. Selection of the anode-cathode electrodes materials and structure is one of the critical challenges of MFC. Carbon and blends with graphene are used for developing the electrode diffusion structure. Microbial fuels were inoculated with MRS broth containing Lactobacillus Cesai Shirota. obtained Low powers of about 3.0 micro watts was obtained in the 5 cm2 cell was obtained.

Fei Liu, Yonggang Yang, Meiying Xu et al.

Materials Today Energy • 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy via extracellular electron transfer between bacteria and electrodes. However, inefficient extracellular electron transfers and bacteria/electrode interactions often limit their performance. Herein, we demonstrate a hybrid hydrogel assembled by a 2D covalent organic framework (COF) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets as anode materials for MFCs. The 2D COF nanosheets effectively prevent the stacking of rGO nanosheets, resulting in the hybrid hydrogel with a high specific surface area (313.2 m2 g–1), abundant mesopores and macropores, and high electrical conductivity (492 S m−1). The COF material also brings many quinone groups as redox mediators to facilitate electron transfer between bacteria and electrodes. The COF/rGO hybrid hydrogel enhances the growth of Shewanella decolorationis S12 cells, even under the influence of different organic dyes. Dense biofilms are formed on the hybrid hydrogel’s surface and inside its macropores, further improving extracellular electron transfers. Assembled MFCs using COF/rGO anodes deliver a maximum power density of 905.1 mW m–2 and can operate for 600 hours. They also enable simultaneous power generation and fast organic contamination degradation in electrolytes. This work shows the potential of using 2D nanoarchitectures to promote high-performance MFCs.

Shobha Kumbar, Dipak A. Jadhav, Chetan S. Jarali et al.

Materials • 2021

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) would be a standalone solution for clean, sustainable energy and rural electrification. It can be used in addition to wastewater treatment for bioelectricity generation. Materials chosen for the membrane and electrodes are of low cost with suitable conducting ions and electrical properties. The prime objective of the present work is to enhance redox reactions by using novel and low-cost cathode catalysts synthesized from waste castor oil. Synthesized graphene has been used as an anode, castor oil-emitted carbon powder serves as a cathode, and clay material acts as a membrane. Three single-chambered MFC modules developed were used in the current study, and continuous readings were recorded. The maximum voltage achieved was 0.36 V for a 100 mL mixture of domestic wastewater and cow dung for an anodic chamber of 200 mL. The maximum power density obtained was 7280 mW/m 2 . In addition, a performance test was evaluated for another MFC with inoculums slurry, and a maximum voltage of 0.78 V and power density of 34.4093 mW/m 2 with an anodic chamber of 50 mL was reported. The present study's findings show that such cathode catalysts can be a suitable option for practical applications of microbial fuel cells.

Dimitrios Kalderis, Peyman Gholami, Ioannis Pashalidis et al.

Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry • 2024

Tianran Sun, Barnaby D.A. Levin, Juan J. L. Guzman et al.

Nature Communications • 2017

Surface functional groups constitute major electroactive components in pyrogenic carbon. However, the electrochemical properties of pyrogenic carbon matrices and the kinetic preference of functional groups or carbon matrices for electron transfer remain unknown. Here we show that environmentally relevant pyrogenic carbon with average H/C and O/C ratios of less than 0.35 and 0.09 can directly transfer electrons more than three times faster than the charging and discharging cycles of surface functional groups and have a 1.5 V potential range for biogeochemical reactions that invoke electron transfer processes. Surface functional groups contribute to the overall electron flux of pyrogenic carbon to a lesser extent with greater pyrolysis temperature due to lower charging and discharging capacities, although the charging and discharging kinetics remain unchanged. This study could spur the development of a new generation of biogeochemical electron flux models that focus on the bacteria-carbon-mineral conductive network.