High-performance free-standing microbial fuel cell anode derived from Chinese date for enhanced electron transfer rates

•Chinese date derived free-standing anode is highly conductive and biocompatible.•The carbonized Chinese dates anode is very competitive in power density.•Pyrrolic and graphitic nitrogen help direct extracellular electron transfer.•Interconnected channels can enhance mediated extracellular electron transfer.•Carbonized Chinese dates anode can load more biomass and Geobacter spp.