Photo/electrocatalytic microbial fuel cell for simultaneous pollutant degradation and electricity production using g-C₃N₄ anchored on Ag-mIm

The development of photo/electrocatalysts is an idea to simultaneously enhance power generation and pollutant degradation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC), which may improve its efficiency. Herein, a unique approach was taken to enhance the degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB) by using a photo-assisted MFC technology with an Ag-2-methyl imidazole (mIm)/g-C₃N₄ photocathode. Various physicochemical analyses were implemented to confirm the successful synthesis of the prepared samples. From the electrochemical analysis, the high current density (0.1 mA cm²) and the low charge transfer resistance were recorded for Ag-mIm/0.01 g-C₃N₄ under light irradiation, which is more favorable for pollutants removal. Further investigation of the photo-assisted MFC with Ag-mIm/0.01 g-C₃N₄ modified cathode revealed the maximum power density of 45.37 mW m² under the light irradiation, which was 1.8 times higher compared with the dark state. The study demonstrated that the degradation efficiency of MB under light can achieve up to 69%, with an initial concentration of 30 mg L⁻¹, after 72 h. This research suggested a promising process for further usage of MFCs in wastewater treatment.