Systematic screening of carbon‐based anode materials for bioelectrochemical systems

BACKGROUND The anode material of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) is crucial because its characteristics directly affect electron transfer from the bacteria to anode. To assess usefulness, each must undergo evaluation under relevant operating conditions, as well a complete electrochemical characterization. RESULTS Five carbonaceous materials – carbon brush (CB), granules (CG), thicker felt (CF1), high-conductivity (CF2), and high-active-area (CF3) anodes were tested in this work. current generation with was studied, microbial fuel cell (MFC) electrolysis (MEC). Two MFC inoculation strategies tested: (i) fixed 10 Ω external resistance (ER) (ii) poised potential (PA) 200 mV versus Ag/AgCl. Once reproducible cycles obtained operation, CB yielded highest maximum density, amounting 15.9 A m−2. slightly reduced start-up time observed for PA than ER. When transferred MEC hydrogen production rate 1.04 m3 H2 m−3 d−1 CB. CONCLUSION This study helps selecting BES, allowing shortening improving performance using different materials. Among all employed study, CF3 electrodes presented best overall performance. © 2023 Authors. Journal Chemical Technology Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf Society Industry (SCI).