Efficient application of new porous carbon nanoparticle composite polyaniline material in microbial fuel cells

The properties of the anode materials directly affect the properties of the microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, structurally and functionally adjustable spherical porous carbon nanocomposites were prepared using template-free methods. The MFCs with the heteroatom doped porous carbon nanoparticle (HPCN) composite polyaniline-decorated carbon cloth (CC) anode (HPCN-PANI/CC) exhibited the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate (94.33%), stable output voltage (523 mV), and power density (2.220 W m−2), which were significantly higher than those of the other control electrodes. The composite anode material can be inserted into the periplasm as a conductive carrier to promote direct electron transfer (DET) due to its spherical porous nanostructures while doping with N, P, and S improves the conductivity and hydrophilicity of the material. Co doping provides active sites for redox reactions, and the modification of PANI accelerates the adsorption of microorganisms on the electrode. In brief, HPCN-PANI has excellent electrocatalytic activity and conductivity, good biocompatibility, rich functional microorganisms, and broad application prospects.