Preparation of a New Microbial Fuel Cell Anode Based on Ti₃C₂ MXene Self-Assembled Composite Material for More Efficient Clean Bioelectric Energy Production

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their capacity to generate bioelectricity, a sustainable energy source, while simultaneously treating wastewater. Nevertheless, the primary obstacle impeding their advancement beyond laboratory settings is their suboptimal power production efficiency. One of the most effective methods for enhancing the power generation efficiency of MFCs is to improve the electrode materials. MXene is a new two-dimensional transition metal carbide nanomaterial analogous to graphene. It exhibits hydrophilic characteristics, a high specific surface area, chemical stability, and superior electrical conductivity. The three-dimensional MXene composite was deposited onto the CC (carbon cloth) electrode, and its electrochemical capacity was evaluated. The stable voltage of the 3D MXene/CC electrode MDC during three consecutive typical cycles is 0.76 V, the stable time is about 4000 min, the maximum power density is 4.235 W/m3, the internal resistance is about 400 Ω, and the average coulomb efficiency is 27.38%. The findings indicate that the 3D MXene/CC electrode exhibits a reduction in charge transfer resistance and an augmentation of areal capacitance in comparison to the conventional CC electrode. This demonstrates superior electrochemical performance and holds vast potential for application in the bioelectrochemical domain.