Generating power from cellulose in an alkaline fuel cell enhanced by methyl viologen as an electron-transfer catalyst

In this work, we developed a single-compartment direct cellulose alkaline fuel cell by using nickel foam as the anode and methyl viologen as an electron transfer catalyst. The maximum power density of the fuel cell at optimal conditions is 450 mW m−2. High-performance liquid chromatography detected short-chain aliphatic carboxylic acids in the oxidation products. Using common reed and red algae as fuels, the fuel cell achieved maximum power densities of 295 mW m−2 and 154 mW m−2, respectively. •Electricity is directly generated from cellulosic biomass without saccharification process.•Fuel cell performance is greatly improved by use of methyl viologen as catalyst.•Maximum power output is 450 mW m−2 at room temperature and ambient pressure.•Cellulose is oxidized to short-chain aliphatic carboxylic acids.•Common reed and red algae show good potential as feedstocks for electricity generation.