A Review on Carbon-Based and Metal-Based Anode Materials of Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable platform for concurrent wastewater treatment and bioenergy recovery, where anode material selection critically governs performance through its impact on biofilm formation and extracellular electron transfer. This review systematically evaluates recent progress in three primary categories of anode materials: carbon-based (e.g., carbon paper, graphene, carbon nanotubes), biomass-derived, and metal-based (e.g., stainless steel, precious metals) electrodes. We critically analyze their physicochemical properties including biocompatibility, conductivity, surface area, and long-term stability and assess advanced surface modification techniques such as thermal/chemical treatment, doping, and the application of nanomaterial or conductive polymer coatings. While these strategies significantly enhance power density and coulombic efficiency, challenges persist in scalability, cost, and durability under real wastewater conditions. The review identifies the development of hybrid and composite materials as a key pathway toward overcoming these limitations. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting research gaps, this work aims to inform the rational design of high-performance, cost-effective anodes for next-generation MFCs with improved commercial viability.