New insight for electricity amplification in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) applying magnesium hydroxide coated iron nanoparticles

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a versatile technology for power generation from biodegradable solid wastes. This study examines the addition of bare and coated Fe0 nanoparticles to the anolyte of a lab-scale MFC for the first time. Four different coating ratios (Mg/Fe:0.1, Mg/Fe:0.2, Mg/Fe:0.5, and Mg/Fe:1.0) were separately added and comparatively evaluated for power generation. The study examined the use of four different waste sludge substrates, different pH, and aerobic enriched cathode chambers' effect on wastewater treatment and current production. Results showed that Mg/Fe:0.2 was promising to increase the voltage by 441 % compared to the control and provide the maximal power density (833.33 mW/m2; 1387.25 µW/g.VS; 3.204 mA). The current generation's stability was achieved under neutral pH, and the power density output is maintained high under anaerobic conditions. The addition of Mg/Fe is an effective method to enhance electricity generation and sludge digestion. However, additional parameters should be considered.