Microbial photoelectrochemical cell for improved hydrogen evolution using nickel ferrite incorporated WO3 under visible light irradiation

The production of renewable and sustainable bioenergy has gained much more attention to contribute the society by reducing the impact of global warming. Additionally, biomass sources are highly desired due to its carbon-neutral property. In the current article, hydrogen evolution was studied by using a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) system, composed of bio-photoelectrochemical cell (BPEC) and a microbial fuel cell (MFC). In this system, hydrogen generation was carried out under the illumination of visible light on BPEC photocathode and electrolysis voltage was supplied by MFC. The highest current density to be found as 0.74 A m(-2) with average rate of H-2 evolution 1.46 +/- 0.25 mL h(-1). The photogenerated electrons emitted from MFC anode were transported to the photo-cathode of BPEC by an external circuit. Further, the holes have the ability to capture few electrons generated from MFC anode under visible light irradiation. This kind of situation inhibits the recombination rate of charge carrier's, make it possible the availability of more electrons/holes for H-2 production reactions. Additionally, it facilitates the leaving photo generated electrons from MFC anode to contribute in the hydrogen generation reactions. It is firmed believed that the current study will provide an efficient strategy to rationally design a cost-competitive, ecofriendly and facile-fabrication for material and method for proficient hydrogen evolution. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.