The anode material is vital to improve the power generation of a microbial fuel cell (MFC). In this study, a carbon nanotube (CNT)-coated sponge with macro-porous structure, high surface area, and high conductivity was constructed as an anode to encapsulate Escherichia coli K12 (E. coli K12) cells. To achieve high power generation of the MFC, the optimal concentration of the CNT coating the sponge was found to be 30 mg mL⁻¹. At this concentration, a maximum power density of 787 W m⁻³ and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 80.9% were obtained with a long stable electricity generation process in batch mode. This indicates that the biofilm on the CNT (30 mg mL⁻¹)-coated sponge possessed excellent electroactivity and stability. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirmed that the CNT-coated sponge provided a suitable microenvironment for E. coli K12 cells to maintain their attachment and colonization. Additionally, a CNT-dependent viability phenomenon of the E. coli K12 cells was discovered after electricity generation. This CNT-dependent viability of the E. coli K12 cells was stable and sustainable after storage at −20 °C in a milk tube for one year.

阳极材料对于改善微生物燃料电池（MFC）的发电至关重要。在这项研究中，具有大孔结构，高表面积和高导电性的碳纳米管（CNT）涂层的海绵被构造为阳极，以包裹大肠杆菌K12（E. coli K12）细胞。为了实现MFC的高发电，发现涂覆在海绵上的CNT的最佳浓度为30mgmL ^-1。在此浓度下，通过长时间稳定的间歇式发电过程，可获得787 W m ^-3的最大功率密度和80.9％的化学需氧量（COD）去除。这表明CNT上的生物膜（30 mg mL ^-1）涂层的海绵具有出色的电活性和稳定性。扫描电子显微镜（SEM）图像证实，涂有CNT的海绵为大肠杆菌K12细胞提供了合适的微环境，以维持其附着和定居。此外，发电后发现了大肠杆菌K12细胞的CNT依赖生存力现象。在-20°C的牛奶管中保存一年后，大肠杆菌K12细胞的这种CNT依赖性生存力是稳定且可持续的。