Research progress of MOF/carbon nanocomposites on promoting ORR in microbial fuel cells cathode

With the rapid development of economy, demand for energy is more urgent. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have the advantages of non-toxic, safety and environmental protection, and are considered as the ideal choice for the next generation of energy storage equipment. However, the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on MFC air cathodes and the high cost of platinum (Pt) catalysts hinder their practical application, so there is a need to develop efficient, low-cost and stable electrocatalysts as alternatives. Recently, metal-organic framework (MOFs) has attracted wide attention in the field of electrocatalysis. Electrocatalysts prepared by the composite of MOFs and carbon nanomaterials have multiple advantages, such as adjustable chemical properties, high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity, which have been proved to be a promising electrocatalytic material. In this paper, the latest research progress of organic metal frames and carbon nanocomposites is reviewed, and the preparation methods and modification of MOFs and carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes and graphene composites are introduced respectively, as well as their applications in MFC cathode. Finally, the main challenges and prospects of MOFs/ carbon nanocomposite catalysts are put forward.