Novel Nanoengineered Materials-Based Catalysts for Various Bioelectrochemical Systems

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs) are an evolving technology that needs further optimization of definite parameters to be used at a large scale for a viable application. Although many improvements have been made for these systems in terms of different configurations, designs, and materials, they lack commercialization and adequate power output because of several factors involved in the process. Exploration of novel catalyst materials is an important factor for expanding the application of these systems with good performance and reasonable prices to bring them to the commercial platform. Platinum-based catalysts have been widely used as cathode catalysts for decades. Inexpensive metal-doped catalysts, metal and carbon-based catalysts, and biocatalysts have been investigated for increasing the proficiency of these systems because of their ability to enhance the oxygen reduction rate kinetics with greater power capacity and stability. MFC technology has been the most promising innovation, which involves the metabolic pathway of microbes for electricity generation. In a similar way, EFCs employ enzymes for power output with or without the use of mediators. Therefore, a framework of other technologies employing similar configurations to MFCs were developed for specific applications such as production of hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, methane, and ethanol as well as desalination. This chapter focuses on the recent trends of using novel catalyst materials to enhance the activity of various BES, their applications, limitations, and future scope.