Modification of electrodes to boost electricity generation in plant microbial fuel cells

Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFC) offer a promising alternative to traditional electricity sources. However, their practical application is limited due to poor electrochemical performance, which is enhanced using various electrode modifications. In this study, MnO 2 was electrochemically deposited on the surface of carbon felt and then used as a bifunctional material for the anode and cathode configurations in PMFC systems. The modified carbon felt samples were characterized in terms of electrochemically active surface area and the number of defects determined using cyclic voltammetry and Raman spectroscopy. The resulting density power was 15, 2, and 33 mW/m 2 for the control system, PMFC-anode-MnO 2 , and PMFC-cathodeMnO 2 , respectively. Thus, the deposition of MnO 2 on the cathode in PMFC systems results in a twofold increase of electrical energy generation.