The present invention related to carbon nanoparticles synthesis by flame deposition on graphite anode for microbial fuel cell.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Novel carbon nanostructures are now being used in numerous potential applications namely nanomechanical devices, nanocomposites with unique properties, nanoconductors, field display, storage of natural gas and hydrogen . This brings up development of different methods for synthesising carbon nanomaterials. The widely used methods are arc discharges, pulsed laser vaporization and chemical vapor deposition. These synthesis techniques generally require the introduction of catalyst to influence growth and morphology of generated nanostructures.

Although different methods for synthesising carbon nanostructures are available, research is still going on for finding the cheap and easy method for commercial preparation of different carbon nanostructures with controlled morphology and high purity. The carbon soot obtained from burning of vegetable oils and animal based oils by using traditional method is found to contain carbon nanostructures including single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi- walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.

The microbial fuel cell provides an altenative energy source. It uses microorganisms for current production from biologically mediated oxidation and reduction reaction. So, to harness electricity, electron transfer to the electrode is required. The attachment of biomass to electrode is, thus, essential for transfer of electrons. The higher surface area increases the attachment of biomass to the electrode. The carbon nanoparticles help in achieving the increase in surface area. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide carbon nanoparticles synthesis by flame deposition on graphite anode for microbial fuel cell.

Fuel cell technology promises alternative energy source. The carbon nanoparticles which have high surface to volume ratio can be used to increase the power generation of the microbial fuel cell. The carbon nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of graphite anode by flame deposition method.

The increase in surface area enhances the biomass attachment and thus helps in increase of power production. Thus, carbon nanoparticles synthesised from flame deposition can be used to improve the anodic properties of microbial fuel cell.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Carbon nanoparticles are obtained by burning mustard oil with the aid of wick and collected on graphite. The wick used is made of cotton mixed with synthetic fibres. This carbon nanoparticles coated graphite is then used as anode in microbial fuel cell.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) use microbes to oxidize organic and inorganic matter for energy generation. It uses microorganisms , for current production from biologically mediated oxidation and reduction reaction. A high-performance electrode material is very essential to harness electricty as electron transfer to the electrode is required. Research focused on modification of cathode has been performed to increase power output. The anode is the limiting factor for a high power output. The structure and the material of electrode can directly affect the bacteria attachment, substrate oxidation and electron transfer. Carbon materials such as carbon cloth carbon paper and carbon nanotubes have been used for this purpose. the power generation of the microbial fuel cell. The carbon nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of graphite anode by flame deposition method. The increase in surface area enhances the biomass attachment and thus help in increase of power production as it increase electron transfer. Thus, carbon nanoparticles synthesised from flame deposition can be used to improve the anodic properties of microbial fuel cell.

This carbon nanoparticles coated graphite is then used as anode in microbial fuel cell. The carbon nanoparticles coated graphite anode has more biomass attachment as compared to the graphite anode. The increase in current density is observed in the case of carbon nanoparticle coated graphite. Thus, carbon nanoparticles can be used to improve the anodic properties of the microbial fuel cell.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments and examples thereof, other embodiments and equivalents are possible together with functional and procedural details and examples, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in terms of functional elements within the principles of the invention. Thus various modifications are possible of the presently disclosed system without deviating from the intended scope and spirit of the present invention.