Preparation and characterization of Fe and Zn co-doped polyaniline microbial fuel cell cathode catalysts

  • CHAI Yuanji ,
  • WANG Hanming ,
  • LIU Zhimin ,
  • XIAO Longlong ,
  • SHEN Zhexi ,
  • YU Boqu
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  • 1. School of Eco-Environment, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; 2. Baoding Mengniu Beverage Co, Ltd., Baoding 072450, China

Received date: 2023-12-18

  Online published: 2024-07-01

Abstract

In order to address the issues of low durability, slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), and high cost of cathode catalysts for microbial fuel cells(MFC), a porous carbon co-doped with Fe, Zn, and N as an air cathode catalyst was prepared. The electrochemical studies demonstrated that the synthesised catalyst Fe/Zn-NC-0.9 exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. The charge transfer resistance and the exchange current density were measured at 5.6 Ω and 53.3 mV/dec, respectively, while the maximum power density was at(1 253±20)mW/m2. Additionally, the impact of the Fe doping level on the ORR reaction and maximum power density was assessed. It was found that a moderate Fe doping level is essential for enhancing catalytic activity. Furthermore, the cathode performance is improved through the synergistic effect of Fe and N co-doping.

Cite this article

CHAI Yuanji , WANG Hanming , LIU Zhimin , XIAO Longlong , SHEN Zhexi , YU Boqu . Preparation and characterization of Fe and Zn co-doped polyaniline microbial fuel cell cathode catalysts[J]. Journal of Hebei University(Natural Science Edition), 2024 , 44(3) : 261 -268 . DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-1565.2024.03.005

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