Potential of biochar-anode in a ceramic-separator microbial fuel cell (Cmfc) with a laccase-based air cathode

Abstract

A cost-effective biochar derived from rubber tree sawdust was prepared by low-temperature pyrolysis at 500ºC for 2 h. The biochar was placed as an anode electrode in the anode chamber of the novel model ceramic-separator microbial fuel cell (CMFC) with a laccase-based air cathode. The rubber wastewater (with 500 mg/L sulfate and 1000 mg/L COD) was used as an anolyte. Maximal volumetric power density (PD) of 3.26±0.08 µW/m3, maximal volumetric current density of 3.20±0.07 mA/m3, and system internal resistance of 1002 Ω were obtained. The post-treatment results showed sulfate removal and COD removal efficiencies of 88.26±1.29% and 89.77±0.45%, respectively. Our work provided a novel model of a low-cost and economically friendly MFC system. Moreover, this work demonstrated a potential route based on sustainable and economical biochar as a bio-anode for wastewater treatment in an MFC.