Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis cells (MECs) are devices wherein microorganisms can electrochemically interact with electrodes, directly donating or accepting electrons from electrode surfaces. Here, we developed a novel cathode by using nickel nanowires anchored to graphite for the improvement of microbial-catalyzed reduction in MEC cathode chamber. This porous nickel-nanowire-network-coated graphite electrode increased the interfacial area and interfacial interactions between the cathode surface and the microbial biofilm. A 2.3 fold increase in bio-reduction rate over the untreated graphite was observed. Around 282 mM day−1 m−2 of acetate resulting from the bio-reduction of carbon dioxide by Sporomusa was produced with 82 ± 14% of the electrons consumed being recovered in acetate.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 34 |
Pages (from-to) | 14290-14294 |
ISSN | 1463-9076 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |