A multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated 3D printed anode developed for Biophotovotaic applications

Abstract We report a method for the design and fabrication of 3D printed bioanodes for Biophotovotaic (BPV) applications. Electrodes were fabricated in 5 different thicknesses, from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm with a 0.2 mm increment and the electrodes were coated with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Electrochemical characterisation of these electrodes was performed and the performance tested alongside a bare carbon paper electrode in a bespoke designed membrane electrode assembly (MEA)-type BPV device. All of the MWCNTs-coated 3D printed electrodes outperformed the bare carbon paper electrode. The best performing one (1.0 mm) showed a 40 times increment in power density and a 20 times reduction of the internal resistance. The successful development of the 3D printed bioanode can be used as a standardised platform for the comparison of similar materials. The development of the electrodes and MEA-type BPV device will serve as the initial step towards the development of a monolithic 3D printed BPV platform.