Iranian researchers have developed dual-purpose electrode materials designed to work simultaneously in microbial fuel cells and supercapacitors, addressing a key challenge associated with storing electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind power.
The research project, carried out at the University of Guilan with support from the Iran National Science Foundation, focused on designing and developing electrodes capable of performing different electrochemical functions within a single structure, as reported by
Mehr News Agency, a TV BRICS partner.
The study was conducted by postdoctoral researcher Maryam Farahmand Habibi under the supervision of Majid Arvand. The researchers sought to develop electrocatalysts that can support oxygen reduction, a key reaction in microbial fuel cells, while also providing energy-storage capabilities in supercapacitors.
The approach could help simplify energy systems by combining catalytic activity required for electricity generation with energy-storage capacity in the same electrode.
Microbial fuel cells use microorganisms to break down organic matter and convert the chemical energy released during the process into electricity. Supercapacitors, meanwhile, are considered promising energy-storage technologies because of their high power density, long cycle life, safety and relatively low maintenance requirements.
According to Farahmand Habibi, electrode materials play a decisive role in the performance of both technologies. Their electrochemical properties depend heavily on the composition, structure and characteristics of the electrodes, making the development of efficient materials an important step towards wider deployment.
The researchers therefore focused on engineering electrode structures with high porosity and a large specific surface area. Such characteristics can increase the contact between the electrode and surrounding materials, potentially improving electrochemical performance in both applications.
The work addresses one of the major challenges facing renewable energy systems. Electricity generated from solar, wind and geothermal sources can fluctuate according to weather and other natural conditions, creating a need for technologies capable of storing surplus energy and releasing it when generation falls.
The researchers said the development of efficient and stable electrodes is an important step towards the wider industrial and economic application of microbial fuel cells and supercapacitors. The new electrode structures could contribute to the development of cleaner energy-conversion and storage systems and support further progress towards the use of renewable energy.