Development of Perovskite Nano catalyst Assisted Microbial fuel cells for Removal of Emerging Micropollutants and Bioelectricity Generation

Abstract

In the quest for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment technologies, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as promising innovation for both pollutant removal and renewable energy generation. This study explores the integration of perovskite nano-catalysts as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) into MFC systems to enhance its performance. Simultaneously, the possibility of removal of emerging micropollutants such as triclosan (TCS) is identified with concurrent generation of bioelectricity. The study begins with optimized hydrothermal synthesis of LaFeO3 (LFO) perovskites as an ORR catalyst, alternative to platinum (Pt) or Pt-based materials which are not cost-effective and less abundant. The physico-chemical characteristics of the material was tested by various characterization techniques. Further, LFO is incorporated as a cathode catalyst in MFC, to check the efficiency and applicability of LFO as ORR catalyst. The efficiency of LFO ORR catalysts was further improved in wide pH conditions by doping LFO with transition elements such as Cr, Zn and Co. The doped and un-doped LFO was compared against the commercially available 20% Pt/C. In addition, life cycle assessment (LCA) was executed by comparing hydrothermal synthesis against other conventional nanoparticle production routes. Additional emphasis was given on highlighting the critical parameters during synthesis using sensitivity analysis. It varies input parameters within a specified range and observing changes in outputs that drive variability in LCA results. By identifying environmental hotspots and comparing different synthesis routes, LCA supports regulatory compliance, drives innovation in green chemistry, and promotes the adoption of sustainable practices in material synthesis. newline