Sustainable wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation: Design of PVA/chitosan membrane and modified graphite electrodes in a microbial fuel cell

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) system effectively treated wastewater while simultaneously generating bioelectricity. To enhance performance, a biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) membrane was synthesized, and custom electrodes were fabricated using a composite of graphite, activated charcoal, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), selected for their high conductivity and durability. Material characterization via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful synthesis and structural integrity of the materials. The MFC consistently produced a voltage of ∼0.8 V, attributed to the enhanced electroactive surface area of the graphite electrodes and the availability of organic substrates in the wastewater. Current increased steadily from 15.16 to 82.85 μA, with peak areal power and areal current densities recorded on day 12 at 40.88 mW m −2 and 51.06 mA m −2 , respectively, indicating a well-established and efficient electrochemical system. In addition to energy recovery, the system achieved reductions of 82.30 % in hardness, 81.25 % in total dissolved solids (TDS), and 85.45 % in chemical oxygen demand (COD). These findings highlight the MFC’s dual-functionality, showcasing its potential as a sustainable and integrated solution for renewable energy generation and effective wastewater remediation. • Biocompatible PVA/CS membrane with modified graphite electrodes improved MFC electron transfer and durability. • MFC generated ∼0.8 V due to enhanced electroactive surface area of graphite electrodes and good membrane performance. • Maximum current 82.85 µA, areal power density 40.88 mW m ⁻² and areal current density 51.06 mA m ⁻² obtained on day 12. • The MFC achieved significant reductions of 82.30% in hardness, 81.25% in TDS, and 85.45% in COD.