Improvement of COD removal and electricity generation in a MFC through embedding sulfonated reduced graphene oxide in a SPEEK proton exchange membrane

Graphene oxide has attracted many interests in the recent decade due to its unique mechanical and chemical properties. This study focuses on the modification of graphene oxide and preparation proton exchange membrane (PEM) by sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) as base polymer for using in MFC as a modified membrane to remove COD and electricity generation. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and contact angle measurements were used to verify hydrophilic properties of the synthesized membranes. First, preparation procedures and properties of sulfonated reduced graphene oxide are briefly described. Subsequently, modification of proton exchange membrane from SPEEK polymer with prepared nano particle of sulfonated reduced graphene oxide 0.5 wt. % and its operation in MFC was considered. COD removal, power density, current density and coulombic efficiency were monitored during the process operation to evaluate the MFC performance. During the process operation, COD removal, power density, current density, and coulombic efficiency were tracked to assess the MFC performance. The power density and current density, 39.43 mW/m2 and 161 mA/m2 and the columbic efficiency 48.9 % was obtained, respectively. The COD removal of 89.5 % was obtained.