High performance cathode membrane by using zinc phthalocyanine for improved oxygen reduction reaction activity and reduced membrane fouling

Abstract Cathode membrane adding zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) is an efficient strategy to improve catalytic performance and antifouling properties. The maximum current density and the lowest charge transfer impedance of cathode membrane with the 0.07 g ZnPc (ZnPc-7) are 11.7 A m−2 and 5.3 Ω. The ZnPc-7 is also proven to be an excellent 4e− catalyst. The ZnPc-7+E (E is electric) produces the minimum total permeability decay rate and the lowest irreversible permeability attenuation rate under electric field, which are decreased by 19% and 64% than the control+E. The ZnPc enhances the antifouling performance and reproducible positive effect under electric field. The foregoing can be attributed to that ZnPc with superior conductivity produces rapid electrochemical response and stronger electrostatic repulsion force under electric field condition, thus reducing the membrane fouling. This work provides a simple strategy for the improvement of antifouling performance of filtration cathode membranes in microbial fuel cells.