PMFC is a revolutionary method for producing renewable and sustainable bioelectricity through plant photosynthesis reactions [1–5]. Plants in the PMFC ecosystem use sunshine and CO2 to make glucose via photosynthesis, a well-known mechanism. A percentage of the glucose produced by the plants is not consumed and is excreted into the soil via root exudates. In the rhizosphere, microbial communities breakdown these Lower-density organic carbon molecules, producing electrons, protons, and carbon dioxide [6–9]. Bioelectricity can be harnessed Place two electrodes over a membrane that is semi-permeable using the redox potential gradient. During PMFC functioning, three types of plants are used: artificial plants, wetland grasses, macrophytes (hydrophytes). Growth rate, microbial variety in the rhizosphere, density, collection, root system, rhizodeposition placement, location availability, and adaptability are all considered when selecting a suitable plant [6–8]. PMFCs operate by inserting anodes into the rhizosphere. Plant roots release a large number of rhizodeposits, which sustain a diversity of microorganisms, bacterial attachments and bacterial functions [8]. As roots differ within and between plant species, and microbial consortia vary in substrate or colonization environment and operational situations, rhizosphere bacterial populations range in PMFC. In PMFC action, a range of bacterial species like Rhodobacter gluconicum, Natronocella, Beijerinckiaceae, and acetinitrilica, Rhizobiales could be found in the rhizosphere [9–10]. PMFC technology could be a future source of alternative bioenergy that is clean, renewable, green and sustainable, as well as far less expensive than any other type of bioenergy [11–12]. In addition, PMFC has major advantages because it may be coupled with agricultural output without disrupting food production [7]. Furthermore, the PMFC has the ability to expand into innumerable plains that are not suitable for farming, wetlands and so can be transformed into a power plant [13–14]. In urban areas Rapid growth and expansion have led to a scarcity of green coverage, resulting in poor air quality [15–17]. Thus, the diversity of flora that grows in urban areas, particularly indoor and rooftop spaces, can serve as a source of stationary energy from PMFCs, generating live power while also saving the environment [18–20]. PMFC provides various advantages, including, hazardous pollutant removal, electricity recovery, significant biomass recovery from plants while simultaneously sequestering carbon. [19].
Right now, PMFC technology is in its early stages, and bioelectricity generation is extremely limited; nevertheless, due to its size, PMFC has the ability to be an environmentally friendly source of bioenergy in the future. As a result, researchers around the globe continue to work on the growth of PMFC bio-generating power, either through advances in the application of non-chemical catalysts, design, electrode alterations, or long-term energy production capacity. [21–24]. Nonetheless, using bio-based renewable materials as electrodes in PMFC, such as carbonized concrete, corncob, bamboo, rubber, scrap, tyres, and agricultural wastes, might drastically reduce the costs of their installation [25–26]. Wetser et al. [16] showed a A innovative design of a three-chambered flat porous-plate PMFC with one anode and two cathode chambers injected with Spartina anglica yields a very high power density of 679 mW/m2. Sarma et al. [7] found power of 15 mW/m2 using the plant Epipremnum aureum in the PMFC paired with the carbon fiber anode and bentonite clay membrane. The internal resistance was 200 Ω. Thakur and Das [8] improved the operation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by combining graphite with Luffa aegyptiaca anodes.
This work aims to: 1) demonstrate the simplified operation PMFC made from waste in order to demonstrates its viability in additional practical applications; 2) assess the effect of plant species Aloe vera with anodes made of carbonized Ipomoea carnea on PMFC performance; and 3) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost the bioeconomy.