Fabrication of Zr MOF-doped polyvinylidene fluoride membranes and testing in H-type microbial fuel cell

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an important tool that generates electricity from waste biomass. Polymer electron membrane supported dual-chamber MFCs are one of the most tested microbial fuel cells. The most important factor affecting performance in this system is the proton transfer capability of the membrane. In this study, zirconia based metal organic frameworks (Zr-MOF) doped porous membranes were produced, characterized and used in dual chamber (H-type) MFC to generate electricity from animal manure (Cow manure). The effects of MOF ratio on membrane's physical, chemical properties, and on the cell performance were investigated. The incorporation of MOF into the PVDF matrix improved the water retention property of the membrane. The Zr-MOF addition increased the mechanical strength from 0.55 MPa to 1.52 MPa. The cation exchange capacity increased from 1.04 mmol/g to 2.41 mmol/g. It significantly increased the cell electricity production from 0.186V to 0.49V. The power density values are obtained as 5.02 and 13.8 mW/m2 with the pristine and Zr-MOF(4)-PVDF membranes, respectively.