Improvement of the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells by Using a Graphite Plate Electrode Modified with Nickel for the Removal of Organic Matter from Wastewater and Simultaneous Bioelectricity Generation

Abstract

Background: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an innovative and environmentally friendly process for wastewater treatment andsimultaneous bioenergy production. Using nickel nanoparticles for surface modification of electrodes can enhance the efficiencyof this process in power generation and wastewater treatment.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of modifying the anode electrode with nickel nanoparticles on bioenergyproduction and the removal of organic matter from wastewater using an MFC system.Methods: A two-chamber MFC equipped with graphite plate anode electrodes and nickel-modified graphite plate electrodes wasset up under constant temperature and operational conditions. The maximum voltage, current density, and power density, as wellas the efficiency of organic matter removal from wastewater, were examined.Results: The efficiency of the MFC process in energy production and organic matter removal improved with the use of a nickelmodifiedgraphite plate compared to a graphite plate. Consequently, the maximum voltage, power density, and current densityachieved with nickel-modified flat graphite were 422 mV, 106.58 mW/m², and 730 mA/m², respectively. Additionally, the maximumchemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency reached %80 after 24 hours. However, with graphite plate electrodes, the CODremoval efficiency decreased to %76.Conclusion: The results showed that the use of nickel nanoparticles in anode surface modification, due to their compatibilitywith the biofilm layer, can enhance the efficiency of MFCs as a suitable technology for bioenergy production and the treatment ofmunicipal and industrial wastewater containing organic pollutants.