3D printed electrode for efficient wastewater treatment and hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cell

Replacing the anode and cathode with suitable three-dimensional electrode materials can further significantly improve the current density and hydrogen production rate of the microbial electrolytic cell, because the three-dimensional electrode has a larger surface area, shorter ion transport path and higher mechanical strength than the traditional two-dimensional electrode. The volume of available equipment with the same footprint as the flat structure can be effectively utilized. However, 3D printing technology can controllably print complex three-dimensional porous structures that are difficult to achieve with traditional technology, and maximize the surface area and surface availability of the electrode. Therefore, the use of 3D printing technology to construct three-dimensional zero-electrode spacing microbial electrolytic cell is expected to significantly improve the pollutant removal rate and hydrogen production rate, and further promote the application of microbial electrolytic cell in wastewater treatment and resource utilization.