MnO 2 @MXene/Carbon Cloth as an Anode for Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract Hydrophobicity of carbon‐based anodes hinders bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Herein, MnO 2 @MXene coated carbon cloth (CC) was designed as an anode for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The anode integrated the hydrophilicity and conductivity of MXene with the biocompatibility of MnO 2 . This unique structure promoted bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation on the anode surface. MnO 2 @MXene enhanced electricity generation performance and wastewater degradation efficiency owing to the synergistic effect of MXene and MnO 2 . The MFC achieved a short startup time and an effective extracellular electron transfer process. The MnO 2 @MXene/CC anode ensured a higher power density and efficient decolourisation in MFCs. The MFC device achieved a high maximum power density of 746.3 mW/m 2 and a Congo red decolourisation efficiency of 87.6 % at 48 h. This work offers a potential strategy for the effective degradation of wastewater and recovery of electrical energy.