Reduced overpotential of methane-producing biocathodes: Effect of current and electrode storage capacity

Abstract

Cathode overpotential is a key factor in the energy efficiency of bioelectrochemical systems. In this study the aim is to demonstrate the role of applied current density and electrode storage capacity on cathode overpotential. To do so, eight reactors using capacitive granular activated carbon as cathode material were operated. Four reactors were controlled at -5 A m^-2 and four at -10 A m^-2. Additionally, to evaluate the electrode storage capacity, weekly charge/discharge tests were conducted for half of the reactors at each applied current density. Results show that cathode potential as high as -0.50 V vs. Ag/AgCl can be reached. Furthermore, the resulting low cathode overpotential is both dependent on applied current density and employment (or not) of charge/discharge tests: reactors at -10 A m^-2 without charge/discharge regimes did not result in increasing cathode potential whereas reactors at -5 A m^-2 and at -10 A m^-2 with charge/discharge regimes did.

Keywords: Cathode (over)potential; Current control; Electrode storage capacity; Granular activated carbon; Methane-producing biocathode.