Development of New Anodes based on 1,4-Trans Polymyrcene and Carbon Graphite for Microbial Fuel Cells

Tahiri, Youness; Loughmari, Saliha; Oukbab, Mustapha; Haddouchy, Hassan; Oubaouz, Mohamed; El Qouatli, Salah Eddine; Visseaux, Marc; El Bouadili, Abdelaziz; Chtaini, Abdelilah

doi:10.22034/abec.2025.720378

Development of New Anodes based on 1,4-Trans Polymyrcene and Carbon Graphite for Microbial Fuel Cells

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Youness Tahiri ¹

Saliha Loughmari ²

Mustapha Oukbab ¹

Hassan Haddouchy ³

Mohamed Oubaouz ¹

Salah Eddine El Qouatli ³

Marc Visseaux ⁴

Abdelaziz El Bouadili ²

Abdelilah Chtaini ¹

¹ Electrochemistry and Molecular Inorganic Materials Team, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Mghilla Campus, BP 523, 23000, Beni Mellal, Morocco

² Laboratory of Industrial Engineering and Surface Engineering, Applied Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Team, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, FST-BM, P.B. 523,23 000, Beni-Mellal, Morocco

³ Physical Chemistry environment and material, Moulay Ismail University, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Boutalamine 52000 Errachidia, Morocco

⁴ Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181, UCCS, Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000, Lille, France

10.22034/abec.2025.720378

Abstract

This study investigates the electrolysis of ethanol in 1 M NaCl using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with trans-1,4-polymyrcene, a polymer known for its catalytic properties. The electropolymerization process was performed using both potentiostatic and galvanostatic techniques, each offering distinct benefits to the electrode's performance. The potentiostatic method produced a uniform polymer layer, enhancing catalytic stability and consistency. Significant improvements were observed with the modified CPE/polymer electrode: double-layer capacitance increased from 4.18 μF/cm² to 603.7 μF/cm², and charge transfer resistance decreased from 40.85 kΩ.cm² to 2.01 kΩ.cm². Galvanostatic polymerization optimized polymer density and morphology, improving surface characteristics. Optical microscopy confirmed the polymer layer's uniformity and ideal thickness, improving ethanol oxidation efficiency due to better electron transfer. The polymer’s stability and cost-effectiveness suggest it is suitable for sustainable, repeated use. These results demonstrate the potential of trans-1,4-polymyrcene-modified CPEs for biological catalysis and environmental monitoring, contributing to the development of efficient electrochemical devices.

Keywords

Polymyrcene

Oxidation of ethanol

EIS

Ethanol fuel cell

Staphylococcus

Subjects