Synthesis and performance of a cathode catalyst derived from areca nut husk in microbial fuel cell

The role of the cathode catalyst is crucial in a single chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) to overcome the energy barrier. The present work aims todevelop a metal-free cathode catalyst from anagro-waste, areca nut husk and to evaluate its performance in MFC. Activated carbon with amorphous graphitic structure was synthesised at a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C from the areca nut husk. The surface area of activated carbon is 1261.6 m2/g with an average particle size of 35.23 μm. The electrochemical characterisation of the cathode in oxygen saturated atmosphere reveals, a loading rate of 5 mg/cm2 possesses an equivalent conductivity to that of Pt catalyst. An Open Circuit voltage of 864 mV with a power density of 590 mW/m2 and a current density of 1.03517 A/m2 at 611.8 Ω was obtained. These results make the novel metal free catalyst a potential alternative to metal-based catalysts. [Display omitted] •The potential of areca husk as cathode catalyst is studied in a microbial fuel cell.•A catalyst loading rate of 5 mg/cm2exhibits excellent electrical conductivity.•The catalyst yields a power density of 590 mW/m2 when tested in microbial fuel cell.•The synthesised catalyst can act as an alternative to metal-based catalysts.