Soumyajit Chandra, Luhur Akbar Devianto, Soumya Pandit, Elvis Fosso Kankeu, Harjot Singh Gill, Mohit Kumar, Sandeep Kumar Shukla
This study investigated the bifunctional catalytic behavior of nickel ferrite (NiFe2 O4) nanoparticles in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) and incorporated a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate their environmental impact. NiFe2 O4 nanoparticles synthesized via hydrothermal methods were characterized using XRD, SEM, and FTIR, and were used as both anode and cathode modifiers to enhance biohydrogen generation. Their redox-active surface improved biofilm formation and electron transfer on the anode while suppressing microbial fouling on the cathode. Manilkara zapota fruit waste served as a low-cost substrate, and ultrasonic acoustic studies were used to determine the optimal slurry properties for microbial activity. The LCA compared MECs with and without nickel ferrite catalysts across four impact categories: global warming, acidification, eutrophication, and ozone depletion potentials. The results revealed that NiFe2O4-modified MECs significantly reduced electricity-related emissions by lowering the external voltage demand, resulting in improved environmental sustainability. The coupling of catalyst optimization, substrate valorization, and life cycle evaluation demonstrates a comprehensive route toward energy-efficient and eco-friendly hydrogen production from bio-waste. © Authors CC4-NC-ND, ScienceIN.
Department of Life Sciences, Sharda University, U.P., Greater Noida, India; Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture Technology, Brawijaya University, Jl Veteran, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Metallurgy, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute of Engineering and e-governance, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Gharuan, India; Earthsure Ecosolutions Pvt Ltd., Greater Noida, India; Department of Pharmacy, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
