A new method for urine electrofiltration and long term power enhancement using surface modified anodes with activated carbon in ceramic microbial fuel cells
A new method for urine electrofiltration and long term power enhancement using surface modified anodes with activated carbon in ceramic microbial fuel cells
This work is presenting for the first time the use of inexpensive and efficient anode material for boosting power production, as well as improving electrofiltration of human urine in tubular microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The MFCs were constructed using unglazed ceramic clay functioning as the membrane and chassis. The study is looking into effective anodic surface modification by applying activated carbon micro-nanostructure onto carbon fibres that allows electrode packing without excessive enlargement of the electrode. The surface treatment of the carbon veil matrix resulted in 3.7 mW (52.9 W m−3 and 1626 mW m−2) of power generated and almost a 10-fold increase in the anodic current due to the doping as well as long-term stability in one year of continuous operation. The higher power output resulted in the synthesis of clear catholyte, thereby i) avoiding cathode fouling and contributing to the active splitting of both pH and ions and ii) transforming urine into a purified catholyte - 30% salt reduction - by electroosmotic drag, whilst generating - rather than consuming – electricity, and in a way demonstrating electrofiltration. For the purpose of future technology implementation, the importance of simultaneous increase in power generation, long-term stability over 1 year and efficient urine cleaning by using low-cost materials, is very promising and helps the technology enter the wider market.
Activated carbon, Catholyte production, Ceramic membrane, Micro-nanostructure, Microbial fuel cell, Urine
Gajda, Iwona
943dd6bd-524b-4c7b-b794-dec5ee8014b7
You, Jiseon
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Santoro, Carlo
03549f6d-d57f-4d79-8bae-2d9271aa7371
Greenman, John
eb3d9b82-7cac-4442-9301-f34884ae4a16
Ieropoulos, Ioannis A.
6c580270-3e08-430a-9f49-7fbe869daf13
1 September 2020
Gajda, Iwona
943dd6bd-524b-4c7b-b794-dec5ee8014b7
You, Jiseon
1442df08-0ea4-4134-b6be-6b773b05f58d
Santoro, Carlo
03549f6d-d57f-4d79-8bae-2d9271aa7371
Greenman, John
eb3d9b82-7cac-4442-9301-f34884ae4a16
Ieropoulos, Ioannis A.
6c580270-3e08-430a-9f49-7fbe869daf13
Gajda, Iwona, You, Jiseon, Santoro, Carlo, Greenman, John and Ieropoulos, Ioannis A.
(2020)
A new method for urine electrofiltration and long term power enhancement using surface modified anodes with activated carbon in ceramic microbial fuel cells.
Electrochimica Acta, 353, [136388].
(doi:10.1016/j.electacta.2020.136388).
Abstract
This work is presenting for the first time the use of inexpensive and efficient anode material for boosting power production, as well as improving electrofiltration of human urine in tubular microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The MFCs were constructed using unglazed ceramic clay functioning as the membrane and chassis. The study is looking into effective anodic surface modification by applying activated carbon micro-nanostructure onto carbon fibres that allows electrode packing without excessive enlargement of the electrode. The surface treatment of the carbon veil matrix resulted in 3.7 mW (52.9 W m−3 and 1626 mW m−2) of power generated and almost a 10-fold increase in the anodic current due to the doping as well as long-term stability in one year of continuous operation. The higher power output resulted in the synthesis of clear catholyte, thereby i) avoiding cathode fouling and contributing to the active splitting of both pH and ions and ii) transforming urine into a purified catholyte - 30% salt reduction - by electroosmotic drag, whilst generating - rather than consuming – electricity, and in a way demonstrating electrofiltration. For the purpose of future technology implementation, the importance of simultaneous increase in power generation, long-term stability over 1 year and efficient urine cleaning by using low-cost materials, is very promising and helps the technology enter the wider market.
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More information
Published date: 1 September 2020
Additional Information:
Funding Information:
The authors would like to thank the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , grant numbers OPP1189676 and OPP1149065 for funding this work. The authors would also like to acknowledge Dr David Patton from the University of the West of England for facilitating the SEM imaging.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Authors
Copyright:
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords:
Activated carbon, Catholyte production, Ceramic membrane, Micro-nanostructure, Microbial fuel cell, Urine
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 453975
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/453975
ISSN: 0013-4686
PURE UUID: edf6c0f6-fc36-42d2-a19d-31f39738759e
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Date deposited: 27 Jan 2022 17:30
Last modified: 18 Mar 2024 04:04
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Contributors
Author:
Iwona Gajda
Author:
Jiseon You
Author:
Carlo Santoro
Author:
John Greenman
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