Synthesis and characterization of MWCNT-supported iron phthalocyanine catalyst for the treatment of wastepaper recycling mill wastewater using microbial fuel cell

This study reported that the preparation and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes supported iron phthalocyanine (FePc/MWCNTs) composite catalyst and examined the treatment efficiency using wastepaper recycling mill wastewater in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The MWCNTs were uniformly decorated over the FePc nano particles. The obtained catalyst was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, UV-visible spectrophotometry, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, BET analysis, Raman spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. In addition, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the catalyst has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. There was an efficient removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) with 87% and 0.650 W/m2 of power density achieved at 110 h of contact time. From this investigation, it is understood that the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the FePc catalyst was improved by MWCNT supporting material. The obtained results suggested the excellent ORR activity of nanostructured FePc/MWCNTs as a promising alternative to conventional platinum-based electro catalyst for fuel cells.