Titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified three dimensional ordered macroporous carbon for improved energy output in microbial fuel cells

•The nanocrystal TiO2/3DOM-C hybrid anode was fabricated for MFC anode.•The biocompatible TiO2 and the 3D macroporous structure promoted the growth of the microbes.•The TiO2/3DOM-C modified CC anode delivered 2.3-folds power density comparison to CC anode. Pore structure and surface biocompatibility are crucial factors for microbial fuel cell (MFC) anode performance. In this study, we demonstrated a templating strategy for design of three dimensional ordered porous carbon (3DOM-C) well-patterned macrospores (ca, 400nm) decorated carbon cloth as anode for high power density MFC. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) were synthesized to modify the 3DOM-C for increasing biocompatibility. The results of SEM, X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies demonstrated the hybrid composite had a honeycomb structure with uniform macroporous distribution and high specific surface area. In comparison with carbon cloth MFCs, the hybrid TiO2/3DOM-C anode delivered 2.3-fold higher power density of 973mWm−2. The increased energy output was contributed to synergetic effects between TiO2 and 3DOM-C due to their unique properties leading to significantly improved electrocatalysis.