PEDOT modified MIL-53 (Al) as high throughput cathode catalyst for durable and economical power generation in microbial fuel cell

The study presents a Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) modified metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-53 (Al) as an efficient electro-catalyst for enhanced cathode half-cell potential in Microbial fuel cell (MFC) operation. The 3-dimensional (3D) prism geometry, spherical polymer coating and metal-carbon framework were revealed through the respective analysis. The electrochemical characteristic of synthesized modified MOF exhibited a four-electron transfer pathway. A month durability study sustained the commercial viability of the P-MIL with a wastewater treatment efficiency of 76% in ferricyanide catholyte and 66% in aerated tap water catholyte. The obtained electrochemical area and charge transfer resistance of the P-MIL was comparable to that of Pt/C. The P-MIL operated MFC achieved a power production of 4.78 W/m(3) in ferricyanide catholyte and 3.49 W/m(3) in aerated tap water catholyte with a cost of $0.076. The cost analysis revealed that the price of P-MIL was similar to 6.7 times lower than that of the benchmark. The work thus delivered a new cathode catalyst that ensures the durable and economical operation of MFC.

Automated summary

The study utilized a modified metal-organic framework (MOF) as an efficient electro-catalyst in microbial fuel cell (MFC) operation, showing good electrochemical characteristics and power production performance at a relatively low cost.