Nanostructured Graphene Utilization in Microbial Fuel Cells for Green Energy and Wastewater Treatment: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

Since the early beginning, attention has been paid to the prospective application of two-dimensional (2D) graphene (Gr) nanomaterial applications due to its exceptional conductivity, huge surface area, and high mechanical strength. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are one of these vital potential applications. The restricted energy production of MFCs compared with other fuel cell technologies and expensive materials are the two major hindrances in its practical application. Gr is proposed for use in the MFC assembly to overcome such challenges either as an electrode or membrane material to increase the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiently. The synthesis procedure for Gr-based electrodes and membranes is complex, expensive, and energy-inefficient and contains harmful chemicals for a scaled-up application. Therefore, there is a further need for focused research into the design and synthesis of Gr-based electrodes and membrane materials. However, regardless of these challenges, Gr-based electrodes are a favorable alternative in MFCs' assembly to attain sustainable wastewater treatment and electricity production. Considering these facts, the objective of this critical review is to assess the latest developments in the Gr applications in MFCs, aiming at Gr background, including properties, Gr synthesis, wastewater treatment, and power generation, which will help to understand the perception of Gr in MFC operation. (c) 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Automated summary

Graphene, as a two-dimensional nanomaterial with exceptional conductivity, huge surface area, and high mechanical strength, has been proposed for use in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as electrode or membrane material. The synthesis process of graphene-based electrodes and membranes is complex, expensive, and energy-inefficient, and contains harmful chemicals. Despite these challenges, graphene-based electrodes offer a feasible alternative in MFC assembly for sustainable wastewater treatment and electricity production.