On the Use of Carbon Nanotubes to Promote the Electricity Generation During Sulfate Removal

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were explored as a promoter in electron transfer during sulfate removal. The results of a potentiostatic method, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the CNTs modified electrode exhibited better performance (e.g. 13‐fold increase of the electricity generation) than that of bare electrodes. Due to the large specific surface area, excellent conductivity, and good biocompatibility, CNTs not only accelerated the electron transfer between electrode and biofilm, but also provided a suitable microbial environment for sulfate‐reducing bacteria immobilization. Thus, the CNTs modified electrode has great potential to be used in a high‐power microbial fuel cell for sulfate removal.