High power density and quick start-up of microbial fuel cell with 3D fold MXene Film@Nickel foam composite anode

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an emerging energy technology that can achieve the interconversion of electrical and chemical energy and has the promising applications in electricity generation, biohydrogen production, wastewater treatment, and biosensing. However, it is a challenge for large-scale commercialization due to low power density and long start-up time. In this study, we report a three-dimensional (3D) fold MXene film@nickel foam composite anode and its application in a single-chamber air-cathode MFC system. The composite anode exhibits high specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and superior conductivity, which effectively promote the power output and realize the quick start-up. The maximum power density of our MFC reaches 947 mW/m2, with the start-up time of only 7 h, demonstrating the potential for efficient and practical energy conversion.