Performance of a Fe–N–C Catalyst in Single–chamber MFC Air–cathode at Neutral Media

抄録

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are technologies that use microorganisms that transfer electrons to the anode, which flows to the cathode to find a final electron acceptor. Oxygen (O₂) is the most widely used electron acceptor as it can diffuse through air–cathodes in single–chamber MFCs. However, microorganisms need neutral to slightly acid pH to survive, which is detrimental to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Therefore, catalysts are needed at the air–cathodes to sustain a stable operation of single–chamber MFCs. Here, we report that the use of small amount (0.15 mg cm⁻²) of a Fe–N–C catalyst with carbon black in air–cathodes promote the ORR in neutral media and can sustain a stable MFC operation, keeping cell voltages of 0.3 V for 8 days.