Polyaniline Synthesis by Cyclic Voltammetry for Anodic Modification in Microbial Fuel Cells

In this paper, PANI was electrochemically synthesized on graphite felt by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and PANI modified and unmodified graphite felts were utilized as anode of MFCs. The power generation of MFCs, electrochemical activity of graphite felts and anodic cell mass were compared. The maximum power density and the internal resistance of MFC with PANI modified anode were 4 W/m3 and 156 Q respectively, yet those of MFC with unmodified anode were 1.7 W/m3 and 358 Q. The startup time of MFC with PANI modified anode shortened and the electrochemical activity and cell mass of PANI modified graphite felt were significantly higher than that of the unmodified graphite felt. With no use of manual brushing and Nafion solution, the electrochemical synthesis of PANI by CV on graphite felt for anodic modification improved power generation and reduced the cost of MFCs.