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Abstract A four air-cathode single chamber membrane-less microbial fuel cell (MFC) was developed and used to produce energy when fed with fermentable household waste extract (FORBI; 0.8 g COD/L). The employment of MnO2 as the cathode catalyst at a loading of 89 mg /cm2, the use of food residue biomass (FORBI) and the single chamber design provided a maximum power output of 3.2 mW in 120 ml anolyte volume under Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) conditions in three batch operation cycles. The COD removal was over 78% for all operation cycles. The total resistance of the proposed design of the MFC was in the range of 12.21-12.78 Ω, which is significantly lower than the internal resistance of dual chamber MFCs. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy verified the values of the internal resistance and gave an insight in the electrochemical processes occurring in the MFC. Gradual development and stabilization of an active biofilm is recorded with FORBI as substrate, while the electrode charge transfer reaction remained stable during the batch cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study Li and, for the first time, K, Mg and Zn ion intercalation on the surface of the Zr 2 CS 2 MXene monolayer, taking advantage of the fact that the S terminations lower the diffusion barrier of the ions. We find that the Zr 2 CS 2 -Li, Zr 2 CS 2 -K and Zr 2 CS 2 -Mg structures are identical, with only Zr 2 CS 2 -Zn differing as to the position of the ion and Zn detaching from the MXene's surface during migration. Regarding the use of Zr 2 CS 2 as anode material in ion batteries, we examine as criteria the adsorption energy, diffusion barrier energy and open-circuit voltage for each of the ions considered. We show that the K ion has higher mobility, as well as lower open-circuit voltage. These results lead to the fact that KIB have fastest charge/discharge rates and higher energy density than LIB, MIB, and ZIB when it comes to the use of S-terminated, Zr-based materials as negative (anode) electrodes. KIB, therefore, seem the best alternative to LIB, especially after taking under consideration K's low cost and abundance of resources. • S termination atoms lower the ion diffusion barrier on the surface of the Zr 2 CS 2 MXene. • The Zn ion detaches from the Zr 2 CS 2 surface during migration. • KIB have fastest charge/discharge rates and higher energy density when using the Zr 2 CS 2 MXene as anode electrode. • KIB seem the best alternative to LIB after taking under consideration K's low cost and abundance of resources [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining the structure of the Ti 3 C 2 S 2 MXene using Density Functional Theory, we study here for the first time the adsorption and diffusion of an Mg ion on the surface of the MXene. We find a very strong adsorption and the lowest energy barrier for Mg diffusion in Ti 3 C 2 -based materials reported so far. This value, equal to 0.049 eV, is comparable to the one for the diffusion of a Li ion on the surface of the Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 MXene reported in previous studies, which was equal to 0.03 eV. The Ti 3 C 2 S 2 MXene could, therefore, potentially present as the best option for an anode electrode in Mg-ion batteries, while offering a safer, lower cost alternative to Li-ion batteries. • Ti 3 C 2 S 2 MXene can potentially be the best option for an anode electrode in Mg-ion batteries. • Mg ions on the surface of the Ti 3 C 2 S 2 MXene show strong adsorption. • Mg-ions on the surface of the Ti 3 C 2 S 2 MXene have the lowest migration energy barrier reported so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dyes released by the textile industries pose a threat to environmental quality. Ligninolytic white-rot fungi can effectively decolorize colored effluents and conventional dyes. The present study investigates the ability of eleven strains belonging to Pleurotus, Ganoderma and Lentinula mushroom genera in the decolorization of eight textile azo and anthraquinone dyes added in solid-plate cultures. Pleurotus pulmonarius AMRL 177, showing the greatest decolorization ability, was further investigated for Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) decolorization using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM involved Box-Behnken design matrix for three design factors: dye concentration, nitrogen concentration and copper concentration were successfully employed for the optimization of four responses: lag time, mycelium extension rate, decolorization rate and laccase activity. Optimum values of responses obtained were: lag time 3 days, mycelium extension rate 2.8 mm d−1, decolorization rate 2.7 mm d−1 and laccase activity 480 U ml−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]