Reduction of copper and generation of energy in double chamber microbial fuel cell using Shewanella putrefaciens

ABSTRACT

The performance of a dual chamber microbial fuel cell was analyzed with Shewanella putrifaciens as biocatalyst and copper (II) as the reducing agent at the cathode. Graphite felt (GF) anode was modified with iodine doped polythiophene nanoparticles (PTh NPs) for energy generation as well as for the removal of copper from wastewater. Power density of 0.76 W/m² and a current density of 1.43 A/m² were obtained for a copper concentration of 50 ppm. The copper was reduced at the catalytic cathode surface, and a removal efficiency of 79.9% and 84.8% was obtained for 30 ppm and 50 ppm copper, respectively.

KEYWORDS:

• Polythiophene
• iodine doping
• shewanella putrifaciens
• double chamber microbial fuel cell
• copper removal