Modification of electrode material from the environmental point of view and scale-up is as important as increasing the power density in benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFC). Here, we examined two different materials for an anode and their modification via surface treatment and surface coating. Polyaniline incorporated carbon cloth (PANI/CC), acid-treated carbon cloth (CC), grooved and acid treated graphite plate (GGP), and polyaniline coated graphite plate (PANI/GP) are used in this study. Modified anodes were compared through electrochemical techniques. It was observed that kinetic activity of PANI/CC was 376 times higher than CC anode, while PANI/GP possesses 1.8 times more kinetic activity than GGP. Power density was recorded and observed decreasing order as follows PANI/CC > CC > PANI/GP > GGP. A mechanism of electron transport model is proposed based on the structural properties of polyaniline coated carbon nanocomposites that enhances the electron flow efficiently for the generation of power with high degree. Polyaniline coated anode materials show greater wettability than their respective surface treated counterparts. Further enhancement in power generation was successfully achieved by recharging with acetate. The study tried to compare the different material and their modifications in the same environment and helps to optimize the system further based on the results obtained. (C) 2018 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.