Three-dimensional microchanelled electrodes in flow-through configuration for bioanode formation and current generation

Abstract

Three-dimensional microchannelled nanocomposite electrodes fabricated by ice-segregation induced self-assembly of chitosan-dispersed multiwall carbon nanotubes are shown to provide a scaffold for growth of electroactive bacteria for use as acetate-oxidizing bioanodes in bioelectrochemical systems. The hierarchical structure provides a conductive surface area available for G. sulfurreducens colonization, with a flow through configuration along the electrode providing a substrate for bacterial colonization and bio-electrochemical processes. This configuration, whilst resulting in sub-monolayer biofilm coverage over the three-dimensional surface, is capable of providing acetate oxidation current densities of up to 24.5 A m -2, equating to a volumetric current density of 19 kA m -3, in the flow-through configuration. Such bioanodes, when operated in non-optimized flow-through microbial fuel cell configuration, provide a maximum power density of 2.87 W m -2, which is equivalent to 2.0 kW m -3 volumetric power density. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.