Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticle-mediated bamboo biochar nanocomposite-based electrode and analysis of its electrochemical behavior

Abstract

The current study describes a low-cost synthesis of gold nanoparticle biochar (Au-NPs/BC) employing Bambusa bambos (bamboo) as an organic matrix for the Au-NPs/BC and bio-electrochemical application. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. This nanocomposite is employed for electrode coating, and its Bio/electrochemical characteristics were investigated using the microbial fuel cell. Results showed that the nanocomposite production and BC fortification with gold nanoparticles are conclusively by SEM and EDX. The SEM analysis of the Au-NPs/BC revealed the distribution of gold nanoparticles on the BC surface, confirming successful integration. Furthermore, the EDX results indicated anAu-NPs of 13.22% (w/w). The XRD patterns exhibit peaks at 38.72, 44.94, 65.13, and 78.26, which correspond to the standard phase of Au. Furthermore, FTIR analysis confirms that biochar contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and a trace amount of lignin. Finally, the modified electrode exhibited higher conductivity in bio-electrochemical experiments than the conventional carbon electrode. The CV graph showed the maximum potential of 0.75 V at 50µA and 0.70 V at 25µA for modified and carbon electrodes respectively. The modified electrodes are suitable for the development of high-efficiency bio/electrochemical systems.