基于阴极材料优化的微生物电解池研究进展

微生物电解池(MEC)是一种新型的废水处理和产能一体化技术,其通过微生物阳极催化氧化废水中的有机物,同时在阴极产生氢气和甲烷。近年来,寻找高性能低成本的阴极材料和催化剂、推进MEC废水处理应用是相关领域的研究热点。本文综述了目前MEC系统常见的阴极材料和催化剂,包括贵金属Pt、不锈钢网、镍金属、纳米材料、导电聚合物和复合材料以及生物阴极。着重介绍了基于生物阴极优化的MEC系统在废水处理与产能方面的应用。最后在阴极材料的布局优化、阴极复合材料合成、胞外电子传递机制三方面进行了展望,指出不锈钢网和纳米材料具有良好的性能,未来可通过优化电极材料的空间布局和电极表面催化特性来强化微生物附着,推进MEC技术工程应用。

Review on optimization of cathode materials in microbial electrolysis cells

Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) is a novel technology that treats wastewater using bacteria as catalyst and generates energy on the cathode simultaneously. In recent years,developing a highly-efficient while low-cost cathode is very important for the application of MEC in wastewater treatment. In this review,the regularly used cathodes and cathode catalysts including the precious metal Pt,stainless steel,metal Ni,nano-materials,conductive polymers and composites as well as biocathodes in MEC are summarized. The application of biocathodes in wastewater treatment and energy generation is highlighted. Finally,the prospects of electrode development relating layout optimization,composite materials synthesis and extracellular electron transfer mechanism are briefly discussed. Stainless steel and nano-materials have good performanceand optimization of electrode space layout and catalytic characteristics on electrode surface can strengthen the microbial adhesion,which ultimately promote the practical application of MEC.