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.com
Volume 5, Issue 5
Res. Rev. J Mat. Sci. 2017
ISSN: 2321-6212
Advanced Materials 2017
September 07-08, 2017
September 07-08, 2017 | Edinburgh, Scotland
Advanced materials & Processing
11
th
International Conference on
Green synthesized biocompatible anode in MFCs for sustainable wastewater treatments and energy recycling
Ying Cheng, Zuliang Chen, Megh Mallavarapu
and
Ravi Naidu
University of Newcastle, Australia
S
tatement of the Problem: The ever-increasing demand for energy and the growing water shortage are two major challenges all
over the world. It is urgent to find environmentally sound methods for energy generation and waste disposal. Microbial fuel cells
(MFCs) offer a clean and energy-conservative way for wastewater treatment and energy recycling. The performance of electrodes
is the most important aspect in improving the power density and promoting the application of MFCs in large scales. Improving
the anode configuration to enhance biocompatibility and accelerate electron shuttling is critical for efficient energy recovery in
MFCs. Therefore, we aim to design an easy and eco-friendly synthesis process of nanomaterials for the modification of the electrode,
eliminating the generation of hazardous substances while enhancing the productivity of MFC. Methodology: Graphene-based
nanocomposite was coated using layer-by-layer assembly technique onto carbon brush anode then green reduced by Eucalyptus
leaf extract. Findings: The green synthesized nanocomposite film affords larger surface roughness for microbial colonization. The
modified anode achieved a 3.2-fold higher power density of 33.7 W/m
3
at a current density of 54.9 A/m
3
with a 75% shorter start
period. Conclusion & Significance: The layer-by-layer structure of green reduced rGO/Au NPs film creates a high bacteria loading
capacity, promotes intimate contact between the electricigens and anode surface and facilitates cell-anode interaction. Thereby the
charge transfer efficiency in the process of electricity generation and power delivery is elevated. This green approach for designing
biocompatible anode provides much potential for high-performance MFCs and efficient energy recovery. Finally, the increment in
electrical conductivity and catalytic efficiency of anode guarantees its further applications in MFCs for sewage treatments.
Biography
Ying Cheng has her expertise in environmental remediation by nano-materials and by the biodegradation with microorganism. She developed novel functional
nanomaterials by green synthesize with potential application in field remediation of contaminants. Besides, She has isolated several bacteria for the degradation of
textile pollutions and organic contaminants. Functional biomaterials based on the immobilization of cells has been used in the removal of both textile pollutions and
heavy metals. She aimed to integrate nano-material degradation with biodegradation for environmental remediation and the energy recycling and to understand
the scientific issues for bio-nano interface.
ying.cheng@uon.edu.auYing Cheng et al., Res. Rev. J Mat. Sci. 2017, 5:5
DOI: 10.4172/2321-6212-C1-006