Integration of carbide lime substrate for enhanced energy recovery and dye decomposition in plant-microbial fuel cell coupled with cupric oxide/carbon cathode

In this study, an innovative and efficient carbide lime-assisted plant-microbial fuel cell (Ca-P-MFC) system was developed for treating dyestuff effluent and generating electricity. This system featured a carbon brush anode and a cupric oxide/carbon (CuO/C) cathode. The Ca-P-MFC system revealed outstanding performance compared to both the P-MFC and CW systems. At a carbide lime loading of 200 mg L-1, the Ca-P-MFC system achieved an impressive methylene blue decomposition efficiency of 86.6% and a maximum power density (P) of 60.2 mW m-2. The improved performance can be attributed to the incorporation of carbide lime, which promoted microbial reactions extending from the electrode surfaces throughout the operational area of the system. Furthermore, carbide lime served as an effective electron carrier, facilitating electron transfer across the system. The optimal loading of carbide lime was systematically evaluated in the developed Ca-P-MFC system, providing comprehensive insights into the mechanism of P-MFC. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences.