Issue 21, 2024, Issue in Progress

Natural tea polyphenol functionalized graphene anode for simultaneous power production and degradation of methyl orange dye in microbial fuel cells

Abstract

The microbial fuel cell (MFCs) has dual functions, capable of achieving dye decolorization and synchronous power generation. Despite these advantages, the MFCs have faced challenges related to low electron transfer efficiencies and limited dye treatment capacity in wastewater applications. This work introduces an innovative approach by employing reduced graphene oxide-modified carbon cloth (TP-RGO@CC) anodes, utilizing tea polyphenols as the reducing agent. This modification significantly enhances the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of the anodes. The MFC equipped with the TP-RGO@CC anode demonstrated a remarkable increase in the maximum power density, reaching 773.9 mW m−2, representing a 22% improvement over the plain carbon cloth electrode. The decolorization rate of methyl orange (50 mg L−1, pH 7) reached 99% within 48 h. Biodiversity analysis revealed that the TP-RGO@CC anode selectively enriched electrogens producing and organic matter-degrading bacteria, promoting a dual mechanism of dye decolorization, degradation, and simultaneous electro-production at the anode. This work highlights advanced anode materials that excel in effective pollutant removal, energy conversion, and biomass reuse.

Graphical abstract: Natural tea polyphenol functionalized graphene anode for simultaneous power production and degradation of methyl orange dye in microbial fuel cells

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
24 Jan 2024
Accepted
29 Apr 2024
First published
07 May 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

RSC Adv., 2024,14, 14847-14856

Natural tea polyphenol functionalized graphene anode for simultaneous power production and degradation of methyl orange dye in microbial fuel cells

D. Guo, Q. Fu, X. Wang, L. Li, X. Xu and X. An, RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 14847 DOI: 10.1039/D4RA00613E

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