Journal
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
Volume 277, Issue -, Pages 127-135Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.04.190
Keywords
Cathode; PGM-Free catalysts; Oxygen reduction reaction; Microbial fuel cell; Power generation
Categories
Funding
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation [OPP1139954]
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation [OPP1139954] Funding Source: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
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In this work, a platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalyst based on iron as transitional metal and Nicarbazin (NCB) as low cost organic precursor was synthesized using Sacrificial Support Method (SSM). The catalyst was then incorporated into a large area air-breathing cathode fabricated by pressing with a large diameter pellet die. The electrochemical tests in abiotic conditions revealed that after a couple of weeks of successful operation, the electrode experienced drop in performances in reason of electrolyte leakage, which was not an issue with the smaller electrodes. A decrease in the hydrophobic properties over time and a consequent cathode flooding was suspected to be the cause. On the other side, in the present work, for the first time, it was demonstrated the proof of principle and provided initial guidance for manufacturing MFC electrodes with large geometric areas. The tests in MFCs showed a maximum power density of 1.85Wm(-2). The MFCs performances due to the addition of Fe-NCB were much higher compared to the iron-free material. A numerical model using Nernst-Monod and Butler-Volmer equations were used to predict the effect of electrolyte solution conductivity and distance anode-cathode on the overall MFC power output. Considering the existing conditions, the higher overall power predicted was 3.6mWat 22.2 Sm-1 and at inter-electrode distance of 1 cm. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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