Exploring Electrode Coatings
Aswita K -
Hello everyone!
This week, I focused on improving MEC efficiency by experimenting with alternative electrode coatings. The goal is to enhance both microbial attachment and electron transfer, ultimately optimizing wastewater treatment performance.
One of the biggest challenges in MECs is maintaining stable and conductive biofilms. If microbes struggle to adhere to the electrode surface, electron transfer becomes inefficient, reducing overall system performance. To address this, I began testing different coatings that could improve both conductivity and microbial adhesion. Some of the materials I’m looking into include carbon-based coatings like graphene, which offer high conductivity, and bio-compatible polymers that promote microbial attachment.
Alongside this, I continued monitoring pH levels and water composition using ion and gas chromatography. Tracking these variables helps determine whether the coatings impact microbial metabolism and system stability. So far, I’ve observed that some coatings lead to stronger biofilm formation, while others cause fluctuations in microbial activity, showing that surface chemistry plays a crucial role.
Next week, I’ll analyze how these coatings influence long-term MEC performance and compare results across different microbial communities. If successful, this could be a step toward designing more efficient and sustainable electrochemical systems for wastewater treatment. More updates to come!
—Aswita Kode
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