Devising photocatalytic fuel cell with dual photoelectrode for simultaneous energy harvesting and rubber wastewater depollution

Ong, Zhoa Fook (2025) Devising photocatalytic fuel cell with dual photoelectrode for simultaneous energy harvesting and rubber wastewater depollution. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

The rapid growth of Malaysia’s rubber glove industry has led to the discharge of large volumes of wastewater containing high concentrations of ammonia, suspended solids, organic pollutants, and heavy metals. Conventional treatment methods are often insufficient, underscoring the need for advanced oxidation technologies such as photocatalytic fuel cells (PFCs). In this study, a novel PFC system was developed by integrating a solar-sensitized cell (SSC) into a ZnO/FTO nanorod array photoanode paired with a NiFe₂O₄/FTO photocathode, enabling simultaneous wastewater degradation and energy generation. The photoelectrodes were synthesized and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transient Photocurrent Response (TPR), UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), and Mott–Schottky (M-S) analysis, which confirmed their crystalline structure, purity, and suitable bandgap energies (3.24 eV for ZnO and 1.87 eV for NiFe₂O₄). Under optimal operating conditions of 0.3 M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte, a wastewater dilution ratio of 1:5, and natural pH (6.71), the constructed PFC system achieved a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 97.56%, zinc removal of 91.92%, and a peak power density of 0.0864 mWcm- ². Radical scavenging experiments identified hydroxyl (•OH), superoxide (•O₂⁻), and sulfate (•SO₄⁻) radicals as the dominant oxidative species driving pollutant degradation. Toxicity assessment using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) further supported treatment effectiveness: the untreated wastewater (1000 mg/L) caused high mortality, while the treated wastewater (100 mg/L) showed vii markedly reduced toxicity, with combined probit analysis yielding an LC₅₀ value of 916.65 mg/L. Recyclability tests demonstrated electrode durability, while cost analysis indicated economic feasibility, with fabrication costs estimated at RM 53.54. Overall, the developed PFC system shows strong promise as a sustainable post-treatment option for real industry wastewater, offering both environmental remediation and renewable energy generation. Keywords: Photocatalytic fuel cell; Dual-Photoelectrode; Rubber wastewater; Heavy metal removal; Toxicity Subject Area: QD701-731 Photochemistry

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