Microbial electricity generation of diversified carbonaceous electrodes under variable mediators

To evaluate a suitable electrode material for the efficient green energy generation of a bio-fuel cell, carbonaceous based carbon cloth, carbon paper, and carbon felt electrodes were investigated under different mediators. The larger surface area, low resistance, and open network of interwoven fibers of the carbon felt electrode facilitated higher electron transfer from the microbial organisms to the electrode surface than that of other carbonaceous electrodes. Carbon paper electrode exhibited lower fuel cell performances due to its lower roughness and high tortuous nature. The green power generation experiments were also carried out under different mediators such as 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and thionin. The electrons mitigation and power generation was augmented by 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone than thionin due to its high solubility, stability, and minimal adsorption characteristic to the electrodes. By the combined efforts of extended electrons generation and transportation, bio-fuel cell performances were extended and endorsed its doable applications in bio-fuel cells. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.