Maximizing power generation in single-chamber microbial fuel cells: the role of LiTa0.5Nb0.5O3/g-C3N4 photocatalyst

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted a great deal of attention as a promising technology for recovering electricity from organic substances by harnessing the metabolic activities of microorganisms. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a LiTa_0.5Nb_0.5O₃/g-C₃N₄ (LTN/g-C₃N₄) heterojunction as a photocathode catalyst within a single-chamber microbial fuel cell operating under both light irradiation and dark conditions. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the composite catalyst, revealing its exceptional purity and unique properties. After 120 h of exposure to visible light, the maximal power density of the MFC containing LTN/g-C3N4-modified carbon cloth was determined to be 667.7 mW/m³. The power density achieved with the presence of light was approximately three times greater than the power density obtained without light in the MFC (235.64 mW/m³). In addition, the study determined that the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 88.4% and 66.5% when exposed to light and in the absence of light, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of the non-precious LTN/g-C₃N₄ photocatalyst as a viable alternative for effective wastewater treatment and power generation in microbial fuel cells with a single chamber configuration.