Role of electrode materials on performance and microbial characteristics in the constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC): A review

Constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) owns the superiorities of both constructed wetland and microbial fuel cell, especially the performance of pollutants degradation by CW and bioelectricity generation of MFC. In recent years, many researches have been carried out around CW-MFC, such as the influent wastewater types, system configurations and operation parameters. Electrode materials and attached microorganisms are essential factors affecting CW-MFC performance. In this review, the reports on electrode materials of CW-MFC since 2015, and their influences on pollutants degradation and electricity generation efficiencies were reviewed. Meanwhile, it summarized the responses of the microbial community on the electrode materials surface to the changes of CW-MFC structure, environmental conditions, plants and wastewater types. Finally, the research gaps and future aspects of CW-MFC were put forward.