Ternary nanotube -MnO2/GO/AC as an excellent alternative composite modifier for cathode electrode of microbial fuel cell

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are known as innovative alternatives to non-renewable energy by providing significant opportunities to convert chemical energy of organic or inorganic matters into electricity. Although they are capable of operating on diverse types of carbohydrates, they are able to function on complex substrates. However, low power density is one of their most challenging drawbacks. Using various types of catalytic materials is a typical method to overcome low performance of MFC. Mixture of graphene oxide (GO) and -manganese dioxide nanotubes (-MnO2) was applied as a cathode catalyst. Oxygen reduction reaction and MFC's output power were enhanced by constructing nanocomposite with high catalytic activity mixed with simple and cost-effective activated carbon (AC), which was 280-fold of the bare electrode. Moreover, MFC's output was compared by applying ternary nanotube -MnO2/GO/AC catalyst with 5, 10, 15 and 20% of GO. Consequently, the composite with 10% GO achieved 148.4mWm(-2) maximum power density which indicated the best performance among other amounts of GO.