Purpose
The electrode aging in soil microbial fuel cells (MFCs) disturbed the removal of pollutants and sensitivity of electrophysiological signal. Therefore, surveying the causes of aging electrodes could assist to take the prevention measures for remediation and biosensor application of soil MFCs.
Materials and methods
The surface morphology, element accumulation on the surface of electrodes, and element migration in soils between electrodes were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in a constructed soil MFC.
Results and discussion
The rust was observed on the anode, and the soil gypsification was noted on the cathode after a long-term (300-day) contribution of soil MFCs. The major elements (At%) Na and Ca in soils on two electrodes increased by 338–562 and 100–119%, respectively. Beside, Al and Fe of increment (24 and 21%) in the anode and Mg and Fe of augmenter (84 and 155%) in the cathode were detected.
Conclusions
The stacking of Ca and Fe besides Na in soils adjacent to electrodes probably led to the electrode corrosion and soil gypsification on the surface of electrodes. Thus, the electrode aging of soil MFCs should be paid more attention in further applications.