Enhanced oxygen reduction reaction in air-cathode microbial fuel cells using flower-like Co3O4 as an efficient cathode catalyst

Kumar, Ravinder, Singh, Lakhveer, and Zularisam, A.W. (2017) Enhanced oxygen reduction reaction in air-cathode microbial fuel cells using flower-like Co3O4 as an efficient cathode catalyst. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 42 (30). pp. 19287-19295.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017....
 
29
1


Abstract

In this study, the potential of mesoporous flower-like Co3O4 is investigated for the application of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in aqueous air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC). The flower-like Co3O4 was prepared by a hydrothermal route. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that flower-like Co3O4 contained positively charged ions i.e., Co2+/Co3+ on its surface that probably acted as ORR active sites. The electrochemical tests demonstrated that flower-like Co3O4 enhanced the electrocatalytic activity of the cathode significantly as the onset potentials obtained in cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were more positive than the bare cathode. Besides, Tafel plots showed that Co3O4 increased the electron transfer kinetics and achieved an exchange current density of 2.46 A/m2, which was ∼30% higher than bare cathode. Subsequently, this improved ORR activity increased the power output in the MFC and a maximum power density of 248 mW/m2 was achieved, which was 6.3 times higher than the bare cathode. The higher ORR activity and improved electric output in the MFC could be attributed to the excellent electrocatalytic activity of Co2+/Co3+ and mesoporous nature of flower-like Co3O4 that exposed extra active sites for oxygen molecules on the cathode surface.

Item ID: 75034
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1879-3487
Keywords: Microbial fuel cell, Oxygen reduction reaction, Flower-like Co3O4, Power density
Copyright Information: © 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Date Deposited: 02 Aug 2022 03:21
FoR Codes: 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4103 Environmental biotechnology > 410303 Bioremediation @ 50%
40 ENGINEERING > 4016 Materials engineering > 401607 Metals and alloy materials @ 50%
SEO Codes: 17 ENERGY > 1708 Renewable energy > 170801 Biofuel energy @ 50%
17 ENERGY > 1799 Other energy > 179999 Other energy not elsewhere classified @ 50%
Downloads: Total: 1
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page