Electrodeposition of MnO2 on stainless steel cathodes for plug-in type microbial fuel cells

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) constitute a promising technology for renewable energy generation and efficient wastewater treatment. In the present work, it was optimized the electrodeposition of MnO 2 on stainless steel mesh was optimized, which was used as the cathode in the operation of MFC. A Taguchi experimental design was used to optimize the electrodeposition conditions, such as the concentration of chemical reagent, time, temperature, and voltage, followed by the detailed characterization of the electrodeposited mesh with better electrical conductivity. The results revealed a significant increase in electrical conductivity, and the FT-IR and SEM/EDX analyses were consistent with the successful deposition of a manganese oxide coating on the mesh after electrodeposition. Plug-in MFCs equipped with these improved cathodes showed remarkably superior performance in terms of voltage, current density, and power density as compared to the mesh without treatment. These findings highlight the potential of MnO 2 electrodeposition on stainless steel meshes to not only optimize energy generation efficiency in MFC, but also to advance the sustainability of wastewater treatment by removing 84% of total organic matter. This integrated approach drives the practical application of MFC technology as a dual solution to energy and environmental challenges.