Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Amna Anjum, Shaukat Ali Mazari, Zubair Hashmi, Abdul Sattar Jatoi, Rashid Abro
Summary: Cathodes are crucial in assessing the performance of microbial fuel cells, with oxidation reduction reactions improving power density and electrochemical performance. Proper catalyst loading can enhance cathode performance significantly.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandro Iannaci, Swapnil Ingle, Carlota Dominguez, Mariangela Longhi, Odile Merdrignac-Conanec, Soraya Ababou-Girard, Frederic Barriere, Paula E. Colavita
Summary: Nanostructured electrocatalysts using Fe/N-carbon were found to have better performance and cost-effectiveness compared to Pt/C cathodes in microbial fuel cells. The optimized nanocarbon scaffold resulted in a 25% increase in maximum power densities at a fraction of the material costs.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shuyan Yu, Zhen Guo, Yan Zhou, Congju Li
Summary: With the rapid development of the economy, there is an urgent need for energy. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are considered to be the ideal choice for the next generation of energy storage equipment due to their non-toxic, safe, and environmentally friendly advantages. However, the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on MFC air cathodes and the high cost of traditional platinum (Pt) catalysts hinder their practical application. Recent research has shown that metal-organic framework (MOFs) and carbon nanocomposites can provide efficient, low-cost, and stable electrocatalysts as alternatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Meng Xu, Ling Wu, Meiwen Zhu, Zhipeng Wang, Zheng-Hong Huang, Ming-Xi Wang
Summary: In this study, an integrated air cathode for microbial fuel cell (MFC) was developed without additional layers and adhesives. The cathode was made of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanofiber hybrid membranes, and showed superior MFC performance and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhifang Zuo, Ting Huang, Xiaoting Zhu, Xiaoyu Jia, Enren Zhang
Summary: This study shows that single-chamber microbial fuel cells (S-MFCs) assembled with a bioanode and an activated carbon (AC) air cathode can simultaneously remove nitrobenzene (NB) and generate electricity. The S-MFCs with 1 mM NB exhibit long-term NB tolerance and stable electricity production, with a maximum power of 16.2 ± 1.3 W m(-3) and NB removal up to 98% in an operation cycle. The adsorption at the AC air cathode is the main pathway for the removal of NB and its reduction product aniline (AN) from solution in S-MFCs.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sireesha Pedaballi, Chia-Chen Li
Summary: Carbon fabric is proposed as an alternative current collector for water-processed NCM811 cathodes to prevent electrode corrosion. The interlaced fiber bundles in carbon fabric feature voids and a large surface area for electrode materials, while the network structure serves as a pathway for electron transport. However, a conductive agent is also needed to improve capacity retention in NCM811 cells, although too much of it can affect material distribution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xueli Zhang, Zhiyuan Lin, Bolong Liang, Ming Zhong, Mingtao Zhang, Kexun Li, Hao Wang, Cuicui Lv
Summary: A method of preparing porous iron-nitrogen-doped carbon nanospheres using an inexpensive zinc-iron Prussian blue analogue as the precursor was proposed in this study, which significantly improves the performance of activated carbon air-cathode microbial fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jacob F. King, William A. Mitch
Summary: This study demonstrates that spent GAC can be regenerated through electrochemical reduction, and the degradation rates of halogenated alkanes and alkenes are related to the number of halogens, indicating different reaction mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dunzhu Li, Yifan Sun, Yunhong Shi, Zeena Wang, Saviour Okeke, Luming Yang, Wen Zhang, Liwen Xiao
Summary: The cathode structure and material play a crucial role in determining the performance and cost of single-chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which are considered the most promising type of MFC technology. This review paper examines the evolution of air cathode structures over the past 18 years, analyzing their benefits and drawbacks in terms of power generation, material cost, fabrication procedure, and modification processes. The practical applications of different cathode structures, such as sensor development and wastewater treatment, are also summarized and analyzed. Based on practical performance and long-term cost analysis, the 2-layer cathode has shown the greatest potential among other structures, making MFC-based systems cost-competitive with traditional activated-sludge technology. This review not only provides a detailed development history of air cathodes but also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of different cathode structures, thus promoting further research and application of air-cathode MFC technology.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mpumelelo T. Matsena, Mziwenene Mabuse, Shepherd M. Tichapondwa, Evans M. N. Chirwa
Summary: The study demonstrates that optimizing the particle size of granular activated carbon (GAC) can enhance the performance and power output of microbial fuel cells (MFC), while different particle sizes have varying effects on MFC performance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bonyoung Koo, Sokhee P. Jung
Summary: Activated carbon is an inexpensive catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cells, but its electrochemical catalytic activity is poor. This study combined ZIF-67 with activated carbon to improve its performance, resulting in higher power density compared to AC and Pt cathodes. The addition of ZIF-67 also improved the oxygen reduction reaction rate and decreased charge transfer impedance in the MFC system.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kexin Yi, Wulin Yang, Bruce E. Logan
Summary: Scalable, waterproof activated carbon air cathodes were successfully prepared using an easily implemented low-pressure rolling phase inversion method. The cathodes showed high pressure resistance and exceeded the waterproof capability of previous designs. The electrochemical performance of the cathodes was not affected, and they showed promise for practical applications in scaling up electrochemical systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ambika Arkatkar, Arvind Kumar Mungray, Preeti Sharma
Summary: The study tested the application of a microbial patch in MFC to address oxygen diffusion issues, finding that the design improved electron transfer rate, wastewater degradation, and reduced resistance. This simple design also acted as a two-step degradation system for improved wastewater management and green energy generation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuan Gao, Chengyi Zhang, Yuhang Dai, Siyu Zhao, Xueying Hu, Fangjia Zhao, Wei Zhang, Ruwei Chen, Wei Zong, Zijuan Du, Haobo Dong, Yiyang Liu, Hongzhen He, Jianwei Li, Ivan P. P. Parkin, Guanjie He, Claire J. J. Carmalt
Summary: Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have potential for use in grid-scale energy storage systems, but suitable cathode materials are needed. MnO2-based cathodes are emerging as promising contenders due to their availability, safety, and stable output voltage. However, their slow kinetics caused by low electrical conductivity and mass diffusion rate are a challenge for rapid charging devices. This study proposes a sodium-intercalated manganese oxide (NMO) with 3D varying thinness carbon nanotubes (VTCNTs) networks as free-standing, binder-free cathodes, which overcome the challenges and achieve excellent capacity and long-term cycling stability.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Fangzhou Wang, Xianglin Li, Yinmo Xie, Qingzhi Lai, Jianyu Tan
Summary: Metal-air batteries have gained attention for their high energy density, but their low rate capacity, poor circularity, and instability need to be addressed. This review investigates the effects of surface area, pore volume, and pore size on mass transfer in air cathodes, reviews studies on electrode materials and porous structures, and discusses the relationship between electrocatalysts and porous structures. Advancing materials and designing porous structures with electrocatalysts are important for enhancing mass transfer and promoting metal-air batteries. Personal views on advanced cathode design are proposed.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wonho Lee, Christopher K. Lyon, Joo-Hwan Seo, Raymond Lopez-Hallman, Yongjun Leng, Chao-Yong Wang, Michael A. Hickner, Clive A. Randall, Enrique D. Gomez
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xubo Luo, Hongjun Liu, Chulsung Bae, Mark E. Tuckerman, Michael A. Hickner, Stephen J. Paddison
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhifei Yan, Jeremy L. Hitt, Zichen Zeng, Michael A. Hickner, Thomas E. Mallouk
Summary: This study investigates the effects of local environments on ionic flows in membrane electrolysers, and demonstrates the measurement and manipulation of local pH to improve CO₂ reduction efficiency.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Danielle A. Salvatore, Christine M. Gabardo, Angelica Reyes, Colin P. O'Brien, Steven Holdcroft, Peter Pintauro, Bamdad Bahar, Michael Hickner, Chulsung Bae, David Sinton, Edward H. Sargent, Curtis P. Berlinguette
Summary: New technologies are needed to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals at near-ambient temperatures and pressures. Anion exchange membranes in zero-gap reactors show promise for mediating the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction, but challenges remain in tailoring these membranes to meet the requirements of CO2RR systems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexander G. Lopez, Raymond G. Najjar, Marjorie A. M. Friedrichs, Michael A. Hickner, Denice H. Wardrop
Summary: Public awareness of microplastics and their presence in bodies of water is increasing. Estuaries, such as the Chesapeake Bay, are believed to act as filters for riverine microplastics, with a majority of microplastics remaining in the estuary rather than reaching the ocean. Various factors such as particle density, size, and shoreline characteristics play a role in the transport and fate of microplastics, with buoyant microplastics being more mobile and likely to reach coastlines closer to their river sources.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Tawanda J. Zimudzi, Sarah E. Sheffield, Kathleen E. Feldman, Peter A. Beaucage, Dean M. DeLongchamp, Douglas Kushner, Christopher M. Stafford, Michael A. Hickner
Summary: The orientation of polyamide thin films on nonporous substrates was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy and NEXAFS measurements. As the number of cycles increases, the orientation of the films gradually becomes isotropic.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tamar Zelovich, Leslie Vogt-Maranto, Cataldo Simari, Isabella Nicotera, Michael A. Hickner, Stephen J. Paddison, Chulsung Bae, Dario R. Dekel, Mark E. Tuckerman
Summary: Recent studies have shown the enormous potential of operating anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells at high temperatures. This work presents a combined theoretical and experimental study on the effect of temperature on hydroxide ion and water diffusivities in AEMs. The study reveals a non-monotonic change in hydroxide ion diffusion with increasing temperature and suggests ways to identify the optimal operating temperature for AEM systems.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Emmanuel O. Afolayan, Ibrahim Dursun, Chao Lang, Evgeny Pakhomenko, Marina Kondakova, Michael Boroson, Michael Hickner, Russell J. Holmes, Noel C. Giebink
Summary: The research shows that by coevaporating a common electron-transport material with medium-density polyethylene, spontaneous orientational polarization in organic light-emitting diodes can be dramatically reduced, leading to improvements in operating voltage, external quantum efficiency, and device lifetime. These enhancements stem from reduced exciton-polaron annihilation in the emissive layer, suggesting a functional relationship between EQE and lifetime that can quantify degradation rates induced by annihilation in the device.
PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shang-Lin Yeh, Naveen Narasimhalu, Landon G. vom Steeg, Joy Muthami, Sean LeConey, Zeming He, Mica Pitcher, Harrison Cassady, Valerie J. Morley, Sung Hyun Cho, Carol Bator, Roya Koshani, Robert J. Woods, Michael Hickner, Andrew F. Read, Amir Sheikhi
Summary: Daptomycin is a cyclic anionic lipopeptide antibiotic used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infections. This study reveals the interactions between cholestyramine and Daptomycin, as well as the mechanisms of antibiotic removal from the gastrointestinal tract. The findings suggest the potential of optimizing cholestyramine adjuvant therapy and designing novel biomaterials to prevent antibiotic resistance in off-target populations.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Wenbo Liu, Ronald R. Campbell, Mookkan Periyasamy, Michael A. Hickner
Summary: Additive manufacturing methods allow for the design and printing of complex structures using various materials. In this study, fused filament fabrication and direct ink writing methods were combined to fabricate TPU-reinforced silicone composite materials, with different infill patterns designed to achieve specific compression responses. This hybrid AM technology has the potential to create a wide range of elastomer composite architectures with tunable elastic responses.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenbo Liu, Lachlan M. Peeke, Mookkan Periyasamy, Ronald R. Campbell, Michael A. Hickner
Summary: Silicone and its composites have the potential to achieve tunable functionality and heterogeneity for applications requiring low modulus, elastic materials in additive manufacturing. Continuous fiber reinforced composites have been developed to create lightweight, high mechanical properties structures. Silicone-based composites printed with DIW technology have potential applications in medical devices, gasket components, flexible soft electronics, and food packaging. The anisotropic property of DIW printed materials can be significantly improved by reinforcing with continuous carbon fiber, allowing for the desired strength and stiffness.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Charles Rafalko, Benjamin J. Stovall, Tawanda Zimudzi, Michael A. Hickner
Summary: This study introduces a thermoset acrylate polymer system suitable for vat photopolymerization, which demonstrates excellent strength and toughness. The mechanical properties of the printed polymer can be tuned by adjusting the monomer ratio and cross-linker content in the resin formulation. This material can be widely applied in fields such as tissue engineering and lost-wax casting.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruggero Rossi, Derek M. Hall, Le Shi, Nicholas R. Cross, Christopher A. Gorski, Michael A. Hickner, Bruce E. Logan
Summary: A new method using humidified gas stream for the anode and liquid saltwater catholyte is proposed to reduce chlorine generation and improve performance in hydrogen production. The charge repulsion of chloride ions by the proton exchange membrane results in lower chlorine generation and high faradaic efficiencies for oxygen evolution. This vapor-fed anode configuration allows for direct use of saltwater in conventional electrolyzers without additional water purification.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Preeya Kuray, Wenwen Mei, Sarah E. Sheffield, Joseph Sengeh, Carlos Rolando Fernandez Pulido, Clara Capparelli, Robert J. Hickey, Michael A. Hickner
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chikaodinaka I. I. Eneh, Matthew J. J. Bolen, Pilar C. C. Suarez-Martinez, Adam L. L. Bachmann, Tawanda J. J. Zimudzi, Michael A. A. Hickner, Piotr Batys, Maria Sammalkorpi, Jodie L. L. Lutkenhaus