Fabrication of modified graphite with WO3 nanoparticles for application in photo-electrocatalytic microbial fuel cell for degradation of pollutants

The concept of a photocatalytic fuel cell (photo-MFC) involves combining a photocathode with a bioanode to effectively couple light energy with bioenergy. This integration enhances the degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and boosts electricity output. A dual-chamber microbial fuel cell system with intimately coupled photocatalytic anode and air cathode was proposed for the synergetic degradation of methylene blue. The photocatalytic anode was prepared by coating wo3 on a graphite felt surface. Anaerobic microbial pollutants were exposed to UV light in the anode compartment. On the opposite side, a platinum plate was placed as a cathode, which was submerged by 8 ppm methylene blue solution. The processes were carried out at room temperature and under the same conditions, within 74 hours. improved degradation was achieved, showed that the degradation by wo3 coated anode (94.06%), was higher than that obtained with the unilluminated MFC (78.81%). Microbial community analysis revealed that the mixed type bacteria have the closest conditions to bacteria related to human consumption. This research provides an efficient strategy for the treatment of wastewater with recalcitrant contaminants by intimate-coupling of the photocatalytic processes.