In microbial fuel cells, anode surface modification is an effective strategy for improving power production. This study proposes that the oxidation of titanium carbide (TiC) to titanium dioxide (TiO2) results in the formation of a core-shell nanostructure, referred to as TiC@C-TiO2, through a one-step facile heat treatment. This nanostructure exhibits excellent surface morphology, enhancing cell attachment to the anode surface. The characterization analyses including field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) confirmed the successful synthesis of TiO2 on the surface of TiC, revealing the core-shell structure of the nanocomposite. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) test shows an anodic peak current of 31 mA at 1.5 V. The polarization test indicates a power density of 723.5 mW/m2 (8591.5 mW/m3) which are 1.4 and 2 times greater than the control, respectively. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test demonstrates 1.09 Ω charge transfer resistance (Rct) which is 5.5 times less than the control. The actual power output of the MFC with the modified anode of TiC@C-TiO2 (3.44 mW) is approximately one order of magnitude greater than previously reported modified anodes. With the multiple advantages of the nanostructure including facile one-step synthesis, high compatibility and conductivity, and power sustainability, the TiC@C-TiO2 is a promising catalyst for MFC anode modification.

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