Investigation of the effects of EPPG and nano-metal doped EPPG electrodes on microbial electrolysis

In this study different combinations of Pt and Nickel doped EPPG (Edge Plane Pyrolyzed Graphite) and EPPG electrodes were used as cathode in microbial electrolysis cell and effects on hydrogen gas production of each electrode combination were compared. Pt and Ni doped EPPG electrodes were prepared by electrodeposition. Surfaces of the electrodes were characterized electrochemically before the experiments. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was used as exoelectogenic bacteria in microbial electrolysis and 2,0 g/L glucose was used as substrate in electrolyte solutions. Microbial electrolysis experiments were performed at 0,5V, 0,7V and 1,0V applied potentials for each electrode combination. Considering the volume of Hydrogen gas produced at the end of the experiments, maximum hydrogen gas amount was calculated for each electrode combination. The combination in which EPPG was used as anode and Pt doped EPPG was used as cathode, was the most effective combination on hydrogen production with a hydrogen amount of 13,4±1,67 mmol at 0,7V applied potential. The hydrogen yield was 2,44molH2/molglucose.