Metal–Polymer Hybrid Architectures as Novel Anode Platform for Microbial Electrochemical Technologies

In this publication, we propose metal–polymer hybrid materials as a novel platform for the development of 3 D anode materials for bioelectrochemical systems, such as microbial fuel cells. Extremely low gravimetric density, high porosity, high electric conductivity, and distinct elastic properties are characteristics that are superior for bioelectrochemical applications. As a proof of concept, we investigated copper-melamine foams (Cu-MF) based on a commercially available, open cell melamine foam. With a low amount of copper (16.3 mg cm−3 for Cu-MF206) used for metallization, such electrode material can be manufactured at low price. The Cu-MF sponges are readily colonized by electrochemically active bacteria and are electrochemically stable over an experimental period of more than 75 days. The Cu-MF-biofilm electrodes exhibit volumetric current densities of up to 15.5 mA cm−3. During long-term operation, overgrowth of the Cu-MF pore structures by the Geobacter-dominated biofilms occurs, from which demands for future electrode developments are derived.