A Review on Aromatic Conducting Polymers- Based Catalyst Supporting Matrices for Application in Microbial Fuel Cells

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are being considered as a very important source of alternative energy for powering present and next generation electrical and electronic devices. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an important member of the PEMFC family. Compared to other members, such as hydrogen/oxygen and direct methanol fuel cells, MFC is a relatively new entity and is still largely in the research and developmental stage. In terms of fuel, MFC enjoys a huge advantage over other prospective competitors due to large availability of waste water and sludge. In addition, the prospect of waste water and sludge treatment, along with the production of electricity, in an MFC operation is an added bonus. Nevertheless, like most other devices, MFC also suffers from certain critical drawbacks. For example, sluggish electrode reaction rates are source of real concern. This necessitates considerable progress to be made in terms of catalyst and catalyst supports. In this respect, the use of aromatic conducting polymers (ACPs) based catalyst supports have resulted in realizing better dispersion, distribution, and anchoring of catalysts, which is important to enhance their performances towards electrode reactions. This review summarizes the potential roles of ACPs in the capacity as a catalyst-supporting matrix in MFCs.