Microbial fuel cell performance with non-Pt cathode catalysts

摘要: Abstract Various cathode catalysts prepared from metal porphyrines and phthalocyanines were examined for their oxygen reduction activity in neutral pH media. Electrochemical studies carried out with tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin (TMPP), CoTMPP FeCoTMPP, phthalocyanine (Pc), FePc, CoPc FeCuPc, supported on Ketjenblack (KJB) carbon. Iron KJB (FePc-KJB) carbon demonstrated higher towards than Pt The effect of substrate was investigated by evaluating FePc Vulcan XC (FePcVC) versus FePc-KJB showed FePcVC suggesting the catalyst could be improved using a surface area. With as MFC catalyst, power density 634 mW m−2 achieved 50 mM phosphate buffer medium at 7, which that obtained precious-metal (593 mW m−2). Under optimum operating conditions (i.e. high area brush anode 200 mM PBM supporting electrolyte 1 g L−1 acetate substrate), increased to 2011 mW m−2. This output indicates MFCs low cost macrocycles is promising further practical applications.