Firmly coating carbon nanoparticles onto titanium as high performance anodes in microbial fuel cells

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a typical bio-electrochemical system for both wastewater treatment and green energy production. The bioanode is a key factor that affects the performance of MFC. In this study, a novel and low-cost carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) coated titanium bioanode (CNPs/Ti) was prepared. Compared with previous candle soot derived CNPs coating method, the present coating method includes further fuel combustion and heat treatment to improve the film adhesion and hydrophilic properties. This CNPs/Ti bioanode showed not only higher surface area and conductivity but also better biocompatibility. After CNPs modification, the maximal power density increased from 0.625 mW m ^{− 2} to 616 mW m ^{− 2}. This power density is also comparable to some carbon materials. Meanwhile, the CNPs/Ti anode was cost-effective. Therefore, this CNPs/Ti composite is a promising anode material in MFCs.