In this study, a novel way to enhance the power-output performance of a Rhodococcus pyridinivorans (HR-1) -inoculated microbial fuel cell (MFC) with salinomycin was demonstrated. In the 5 mg/L salinomycin-treated MFC, the maximum power density and current density was promoted by 63.9 % and 28.1 % times, respectively. Cyclic-voltammetry (CV) analysis revealed that upon the addition of salinomycin the activity of electrochemical substances was enhanced, which resulted in the current-density promotion of the MFC. Salinomycin, as a cationic binding agent that can specifically bind to the channel protein, was responsible for electron transfer from the intracellular level to the micro-organism's surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results revealed that the internal resistance of the MFC was diminished after treatment with salinomycin, and thus it was speculated that the obstruction posed by the bio-membrane for electron transfer was reduced. (C) 2020 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.