Conjugated oligoelectrolytes increase current response and organic contaminant removal in wastewater microbial fuel cells

The conjugated oligoelectrolyte 4,4′-bis(4′-(N,N-bis(6′′-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)hexyl)amino)-styryl)stilbene tetraiodide (DSSN+) has been employed to improve the performance of wastewater microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with respect to current generation and organic contaminant removal. The best performance was afforded by biocathode type MFCs run in the presence of DSSN+. Laser scanning confocal microscopy confirmed cellular uptake of DSSN+ in the biofilms.