Fundamental development and research of cathodic compartment in microbial fuel cells: A review

Since the low power density and limited scope of application greatly impede the commercialization of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), tremendous efforts have been devoted to improving the cathodic compartments??? design, mainly on engineering efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and extending target compounds removal. Therefore, a review that systematically introduces the cathode components is highly recommended. This research summarizes the cathode components containing the cathodic current collectors, various ORR catalysts, and electron acceptors which have been utilized in MFCs. Particularly, for ORR catalysts, the catalytic mechanisms, influential factors, catalytic performance toward accessibility, sustainability, and catalytic efficiency are identified. It is demonstrated that the stability and sustainability of ORR catalysts are still the emphases of current research. For various electron acceptors, the corresponding power generation, target compound removal, merits, and drawbacks are compared in MFCs. Moreover, probably future research directions and viewpoints on MFCs for efficient power generation along with target compounds removal are discussed particularly from the cathode aspect, hoping to guide a better understanding of the progress of MFCs and achieving the goals for practical application earlier.

Automated summary

This research reviews the cathode components in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), including cathodic current collectors, various ORR catalysts, and electron acceptors. The stability and sustainability of ORR catalysts are identified as the key areas of current research. The power generation, target compound removal, merits, and drawbacks of different electron acceptors in MFCs are compared.