Preparation of low-cost and porous WO3/CNTs-Graphite-PVC films with high mechanical strength for application as bioanode in microbial fuel cell

Abstract

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through the catalytic processes of microorganisms. In this study, flexible and porous WO3/CNTs-Graphite-PVC film was fabricated through uniform adding of Zn powder into matrix of carbon nanotubes-graphite- Polyvinyl Chloride) PVC (film followed by selective dissolving of Zn from the film structure in acidic solution and finally electrodeposition of WO3 (Tungsten trioxide) into previously porous CNTs-Graphite-PVC film. Surface morphology studies showed that the flexible film has rough and porous structure and carbon nanotubes are uniformly present as electron conduction channels within the composite film. Studies also showed that porous WO3/MWCNTs-Graphite-PVC film as a bioanode in MFC at resistance of 1000 ohms and current density of 900 mA/m2 has a power density of 324 mW/m2. The method presented in this research can be used as a suitable method for preparing of suitable electrocatalysts based on commercial graphite powder in microbial fuel cells.

Keywords

• microbial fuel cell
• bioanode
• multi-walled carbon nanotubes
• graphite
• wo3
• porous film