Enhancement of Electricity Generation and Sulfide Removal in Microbial Fuel Cells with Lead Dioxide Catalyzed Cathode

Lead dioxide catalyzed cathode (PbO₂) which has high overpotential and electrode potential with low cost was tested in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for sulfide removal in this study, compared with traditional platinum based carbon cathode (Pt/C). The maximum power density of 997.26±20.20 mW/m² was realized, with sulfide removal efficiency as high as 88.73±4.37%, both showing advantage to Pt/C cathode. The products of sulfide oxidation were examined and elemental sulfur was found to be generated during energy recovery. The MFC with PbO₂ cathode got higher elemental sulfur generation than that with Pt/C cathode. Pb(II) was not detected in cathodic electrolyte during operation, indicating that PbO₂ was an effective and environmental-friendly cathodic catalyst to Pt in MFCs for electricity generation and sulfide removal.