E-waste derived material for microbial electrolysis cell: A perspective on synchronized waste management and energy recovery

Abstract This chapter is focused on the preparation of low-cost and effective electrode materials which may facilitate the Volmer step of hydrogen evolution reaction to produce more hydrogen through a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). Simultaneously the solid e-waste management for a better environmental scenario and wastewater treatment through the same MEC could be addressed. In most of the MECs, various operating parameters govern the performance in terms of rate of hydrogen evolution. The threat for e-waste generation has been alarming due to the inefficient reuse and recycle process. It has resulted in very crucial environmental problems and disposal issues. To overcome this problem, investigations into e-waste generated activated carbon with nitrogen doping for effective electrode material has been outlined, along with its use in MEC as an electrode material. Moreover, the wastewater containing organic waste will be the source for the hydrogen, thus resulting in simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery through the proposed cost-effective MEC with e-waste utilization, as well as the production of the source of clean energy.