Hybrid photocatalytic–microbial fuel cells systems: Progress, challenges, and forecasts in water-energy-environment nexus
The growing demand for sustainable water purification and renewable energy recovery has propelled hybrid photocatalytic–microbial fuel cell (photo−MFC) systems to the forefront of environmental engineering. These coupled configurations merge semiconductor-driven redox reactions with bioelectrochemic...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Elsevier Ltd
2026
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/47363/1/Hybrid%20photocatalytic%E2%80%93microbial%20fuel%20cells%20systems.pdf https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2026.121270 https://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/47363/ |
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| Summary: | The growing demand for sustainable water purification and renewable energy recovery has propelled hybrid photocatalytic–microbial fuel cell (photo−MFC) systems to the forefront of environmental engineering. These coupled configurations merge semiconductor-driven redox reactions with bioelectrochemical energy conversion, creating a self-sustaining process that simultaneously degrades pollutants and generates electricity. This review critically discusses the advances, mechanisms, types, and design innovations in hybrid photo-MFC systems, with a particular emphasis on charge-transfer pathways, the physicochemical compatibility between photocatalysts, electrodes, and electroactive biofilms, and the influence of reactor architecture on system performance. Studies on key advances in visible-light-responsive semiconductors, nanostructured electrodes, and integrated reactor architectures increasing photon utilization and e− recovery are analysed. Current challenges related to power density, catalyst durability, biofouling, and scalability are identified. The paper concludes with a future perspective on emerging trends such as 3D-printed biochar photoelectrodes, machine-learning-guided reactor optimization, and techno-economic evaluations needed for industrial-level development. By integrating insights from diverse interdisciplinary fields, this review outlines strategic pathways for advancing hybrid photo−MFC technologies towards the circular and energy-positive treatment of wastewater. |
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