如何做MFC空气阴极.pdfVIP

How to Make Cathodes with a Diffusion Layer for Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells Joshua Middaugh 6/5/06 Updated by Shaoan Cheng and Wenzong Liu, 5/12/08 Introduction The use of a cathode with a diffusion layer in a single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) can significantly improve the performance of the MFC by increasing its coulombic efficiency and maximum power density while simultaneously decreasing its loss of water. The coulombic efficiency is increased by the increased power output and by the increased operation time of the MFC. The operation time is likely increased due a reduction in the amount of oxygen flow to the anode chamber where bacteria preferentially use oxygen directly as an electron acceptor instead of using oxygen indirectly via the anode of the MFC. Oxygen flow, however, is still necessary for the catalyst-side, which is opposite the air-exposed side, of the cathode. Thus, an optimum thickness for the diffusion layer exists and is the subject of a paper by Cheng et al (2006) The instructions below describe how to make 12 cm2 circular cathodes with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) diffusion layer of optimum thickness. This process takes several hours due to a number of steps that require wait time. Pt/C Catalyst Layer PTFE Diffusion Layers SOLUTION SIDE AIR SIDE Carbon Cloth Carbon Base Layer Figure 1 : Exaggerated side-view of a cathode with a four-coating PTFE diffusion layer Materials • Carbon Cloth with 30% by Weight PTFE Wet-Proofing (E-TEK B-1/B/30WP) • Carbon Black Powder (Cabot Vulcan XC-72) • 40% by Weight PTFE Solution (diluted from 60% solution) • 60% by Weight PTFE Solution (