Xiao Li Wang, Chen Wu, Jia Qi Zhang et al.

Advanced Materials Research • 2010

In this paper, it has been studied the acclimation stage of a synthetic wastewater fed with glucose as a carbon source, using a tow-chambers microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Special attention has been paid to the start-up. During the acclimation period, the microbial fuel cells (MFCs) will be exposed to variations in operating parameters. Hence, the acclimation stage of MFCs, exposed to variation in the influent COD, operating temperature, and electron acceptor, was investigated in the terms of power density, COD removal efficiency, and voltage while treating a synthetic wastewater. The power density is increased and the acclimation period is prolonged with the increase of the influent COD up to meet steady-state conditions. It is important to note that the acclimation of MFCs is not only impacted by the electricity-generating bacteria, but by the whole biological. The highest steady-state voltage, which is about 404mV, is obtained at 35°C, comparing to the operating temperature of 15°C or 25°C. In addition, the electron acceptor will obviously influence the steady-state voltage and start-up period.

Ying Wang, Cui‐e Zhao, Dong Sun et al.

ChemPlusChem • 2013

Abstract A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an innovative power‐output device, which utilizes microorganisms to metabolize fuel and transfers electrons to the electrode surface. In this study, we decorated the surface of graphene (G) with a conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), through galvanostatic electropolymerization to fabricate a G/PEDOT hybrid anode for an Escherichia coli MFC. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses illustrated that the G/PEDOT hybrid anode possesses a larger active surface area and lower charge‐transfer resistance than three other kinds of anodes, namely, carbon paper (CP), graphene‐modified carbon paper (CP/G), and PEDOT‐modified carbon paper (CP/PEDOT). Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the bacteria growth on the four anodes. A compact biofilm was formed on the hybrid anode owing to the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged bacteria and positively charged PEDOT backbone. The constant‐load (1 KΩ) discharge curves of MFCs with CP, CP/G, CP/PEDOT, and G/PEDOT anodes revealed that the G/PEDOT electrode had good stability and high voltage output. The G/PEDOT anode generated a maximum power density of 873 mW m −2 , which is about 15 times higher than that of CP (55 mW m −2 ) in an H‐shaped dual‐chamber MFC. All the experimental results suggest that the performance of the G/PEDOT hybrid anode is superior to the CP, CP/G, or CP/PEDOT anode.

Barbara Janina Włodarczyk, Paweł Piotr Włodarczyk

Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports • 2024

Due to the constant growth of the world's population, the amount of generated wastewater is also constantly increasing. One of the devices that can use wastewater as a raw material for energy production is a microbial fuel cell (MFC). MFCs technology is constantly evolving. However, to increase its use, it is necessary to improve its efficiency. There are various possibilities to ensure this, such as the use of new electrode materials, new cell designs, or the use of wastewaters from different sources. In this paper the analysis of MFC operation (cell voltage, power, and current density) fed by mixed municipal and industrial wastewaters was shown. Moreover, the change in time of COD was analyzed. Due to cost reduction the membrane-less microbial fuel cell (ML-MFC) was chosen. It was noted that the addition of concentrated process wastewater increases the COD reduction time in the ML-MFC. An increase of generated bioelectricity during fed ML-MFC by mixed municipal and industrial (process wastewater from yeast production) wastewater was demonstrated. The highest values of average cell voltage (598 mV), maximum power (4.47 mW) and maximum current density (0.26 mA·cm-2) were obtained for a 10% share of yeast process wastewater in the mixed wastewater, which fed the ML-MFC.

Anwar Ma'ruf, Agus Mulyadi Purnawanto, Latiful Hayat et al.

International Journal of Energy for a Clean Environment • 2023

Microbial fuel cell is a new technology that utilizes bacteria as biochemicals to convert energy stored in organic/inorganic compounds, which is easily degraded into electrical energy. Apart from being able to produce electrical energy, the implementation of this technology can help solve the problem of processing wastewater resulting from cassava fermentation. The specific aim of the research is to examine the effect of cassava fermentation wastewater concentration and the effect of urea addition on the productivity of electricity produced and the reduction in the quality of cassava fermentation wastewater. From the research results, it can be concluded that the higher the cassava fermentation wastewater concentration, the smaller the electrical energy produced. The optimum initial cassava fermentation wastewater concentration is 20% v/v, with an average volumetric power density produced of 58.56 W/m<sup>3</sup>. The higher the concentration of added urea, the smaller the electrical energy produced. The optimum concentration of urea addition is 0.16-0.33 g/L. There is a linear relationship between the electricity produced and the decrease in total suspended solid (TSS) and total dissolved solid (TDS). The higher the electricity produced, indicating high bacterial activity, will cause a decrease in TSS and TDS.

Yue Dong, Yujie Feng, Youpeng Qu et al.

Scientific Reports • 2015

Abstract Energy self-sufficiency is a highly desirable goal of sustainable wastewater treatment. Herein, a combined system of a microbial fuel cell and an intermittently aerated biological filter (MFC-IABF) was designed and operated in an energy self-sufficient manner. The system was fed with synthetic wastewater (COD = 1000 mg L −1 ) in continuous mode for more than 3 months at room temperature (~25 °C). Voltage output was increased to 5 ± 0.4 V using a capacitor-based circuit. The MFC produced electricity to power the pumping and aeration systems in IABF, concomitantly removing COD. The IABF operating under an intermittent aeration mode (aeration rate 1000 ± 80 mL h −1 ) removed the residual nutrients and improved the water quality at HRT = 7.2 h. This two-stage combined system obtained 93.9% SCOD removal and 91.7% TCOD removal (effluent SCOD = 61 mg L −1 , TCOD = 82.8 mg L −1 ). Energy analysis indicated that the MFC unit produced sufficient energy (0.27 kWh m −3 ) to support the pumping system (0.014 kWh m −3 ) and aeration system (0.22 kWh m −3 ). These results demonstrated that the combined MFC-IABF system could be operated in an energy self-sufficient manner, resulting to high-quality effluent.

Asim Ali Yaqoob, Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim, Amira Suriaty Yaakop et al.

Applied Water Science • 2022

Abstract This study aims to improve electron transfer and cobalt remediation efficiency through microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by modifying the electrode material. The fabrication and alteration of the anode can be accomplished by synthesizing biomass-derived graphene oxide (GO) and adding metal oxides (ZnO and TiO 2 ) as modifiers. The prepared GO anode offered 0.148 mW/m 2 power density while GO-ZnO delivered 8.2 times and GO-TiO 2 composite anode delivered 5.3 times higher power density than GO. Similarly, the achieved current density of GO was 39.47 mA/m 2 while GO-ZnO composite anode delivered 75.43 mA/m 2 and GO-TiO 2 composite anode offered 67.54 mA/m 2 . During the biological characterizations of biofilm, the Bacillus sp . and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were majorly found as exoelectrogens and metal-reducing species. The maximum remediation efficiency of cobalt (II) was 80.10% (GO), 91% (GO-ZnO composite anode), and 88.45% (GO-TiO 2 composite anode) on day 45. The remediation and SEM results of anode biofilm clearly show that the prepared anodes are highly biocompatible with the bacteria. Furthermore, the effect of pH and temperature on MFCs performance are also explained with prepared anodes. Each anode offered significant perspectives in parameter optimizations.

Sigita Bendinskaite, Ingrida Bruzaite, Juste Rozene et al.

Journal of The Electrochemical Society • 2024

The world’s growing energy crisis demands renewable energy sources. This issue can be solved using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). MFCs are biocatalytic systems which convert chemical energy into electrical energy, thereby reducing pollution from hazardous chemical compounds. However, during the development of MFCs, one of the most significant challenges is finding and assessment of microorganisms that generate sufficient redox potential through metabolic and catalytic processes. In this research, we have used Ensifer meliloti (E. meliloti) bacteria to design MFCs based on consecutive action of two redox mediators (9,10 - phenanthrenequinone (PQ) and potassium ferricyanide), which transferred charge between E. meliloti bacteria and graphite rod electrode. A viability study of E. meliloti culture showed that PQ significantly inhibits the growth of bacteria at 0.036 mM. Cyclic voltammograms were registered in the presence of 20 mM of potassium ferricyanide and different concentrations (0.036 and 0.071 mM, 0.11 mM, 0.14 mM, 0.172 mM, 0.32 mM) of PQ. Four days of lasting assessment of the microbial fuel cells in two-electrode systems showed that the maximal open circuit potential during the experiment raised from 174.9 to 234.6 mV. Power increased from 0.392 to 0.741 mW m −2 .

Fan Zhou, Samuel Simon Araya, Ionela Florentina Grigoras et al.

ASME 2014 12th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology • 2014

Degradation tests of two phosphoric acid (PA) doped PBI membrane based HT-PEM fuel cells were reported in this paper to investigate the effects of start/stop and the presence of methanol in the fuel to the performance degradation. Continuous tests with H2 and simulated reformate which was composed of H2, water steam and methanol as the fuel were performed on both single cells. 12-h-startup/12-h-shutdown dynamic tests were performed on the first single cell with pure dry H2 as the fuel and on the second single cell with simulated reformate as the fuel. Along with the tests electrochemical techniques such as polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to study the degradation mechanisms of the fuel cells. Both single cells showed an increase in the performance in the H2 continuous tests, because of a decrease in the ORR kinetic resistance probably due to the redistribution of PA between the membrane and electrodes. EIS measurement of first fuel cell during the start/stop test showed that the mass transfer resistance and ohmic resistance increased which can be attributed to the corrosion of carbon support in the catalyst layer and degradation of the PBI membrane. During the continuous test with simulated reformate as the fuel the ORR kinetic resistance and mass transfer resistance of both single cells increased. The performance of the second single cell experienced a slight decrease during the start/stop test with simulated reformate as the fuel.

Shunliang Liu, Yali Feng, Haoran Li

Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology • 2022

Abstract BACKGROUND To understand the effect of electron shuttle compounds on the electron transfer behavior of MFC and the formation process of microbially fabricated nanowires. In this paper, 2,6‐anthraquinone desulfonation (AQDS) and Fe(OH) 3 were used as electron mediator and electron acceptor, respectively, to study the effect of electron mediator on the formation of bio‐nanowires during the growth of Geobacter metallireducens in the double chamber MFC reactor (MFC), and the effects of electron transfer efficiency and electrical current characteristic. RESULTS The results show that the culture process of the Geobacter metallireducens with Fe(OH) 3 as an electron acceptor, the reduction product Fe(II) concentration in solution without AQDS was higher than that with AQDS after 10 days due to the formation of microbial nanowires. In comparison, the Pili protein content of the system without AQDS reached 336 ug/mL, which was higher than the AQDS system. Nanowires increased the transfer efficiency between biofilm and electrodes, which increased the maximum output voltage of MFC was 442 mV. CONCLUSION At the same time, it was found by electrochemical measurements that the nanowire biofilm electrode had a huge peak of the cyclic voltammetry curve, a small activation resistance, and a strong current response signal, indicating that the nanowires enhanced the electrochemical activity of the electrode. In addition, an electron transfer medium (AQDS) inhibited the expression of aromatic amino acids, tryptophan, and mtrC. Moreover, it destroyed the overlapping π‐π orbits of the aromatic parts, resulting in reduced and thinner nanowires and then decreasing the conductivity of synthetic organic materials like metals. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Parviz Khujaev, Turobcul Kholmuratov, Jamshed Ismatullozoda Ismatullo et al.

E3S Web of Conferences • 2022

The topical issue of efficient fuel combustion when using hot water boilers is considered. Indeed, this is a very important issue that is directly related to the rational use of resources, reducing the cost of providing thermal energy and reducing the negative impact on the environment. As a result, today the production and operation of hot water boilers must meet high standards of efficiency and environmental friendliness in order to ensure an optimal balance between economic efficiency and environmental protection. Moreover, the development of new energy-saving technologies and fuel combustion systems is an important area of scientific and technological progress to improve people's living conditions and ensure sustainable development. Burning fuel in large quantities leads to certain losses, which reduces the efficiency of the boiler. Therefore, there were mainly small energy-saving furnaces designed for burning fuel. The author proposed a small boiler with a furnace in which a vertical grate is used. Burning any fuel in such a furnace reduced heat loss by 2 times and harmful emissions into the atmosphere by 1.5 times. The efficiency of the heating processes in the boiler was evaluated during one heating season. The cost of providing thermal energy compared to other operating boiler houses amounted to 14400 somoni (1200 dollars), which is 18% less than the initial costs of previous years.

Yajun Wang, Rajendra Prasad Singh, Junyu Zhang et al.

Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua • 2019

Abstract Bioretention cell (BRC) and an enhanced system combining bioretention cell with microbial fuel cell (BRC-MFC) were used to treat domestic wastewater. Nitrogen removal characteristics and permeation characteristics of two systems were investigated by adjusting influent carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N = 2–20). Results showed that nitrification and denitrification performances were mainly influenced by organic matter and system combination, which further effected the nitrogen removal. When optimal operating parameters were: electrode space of 30 cm, hydraulic load of 1.0 m3/(m2·d) and inlet/reaction time of 1/8 in BRC-MFC system, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and NH4+ removal efficiencies still reached 97.63, 64, and 42.26%, respectively and achieved high removal efficiency of organic matter and nitrogen simultaneously compared to the BRC system. Efficient supply of electron and phylogenetic diversity of bacterial communities in BRC-MFC process was the main reason to achieve deep denitrification removal. After the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene was sequenced by the Miseq high-throughput sequencing method, introduction of MFC enhancement technology affected the microbial community structure in the system. The presence of MFC contributed to an increase in community diversity (from 14 to 19 phyla). The results provide a simple method without kinetic energy for simultaneous denitrification and steady infiltration of bioretention.

Yasna Acevedo Gomez, Göran Lindbergh, Carina Lagergren

Molecules • 2020

While the market for fuel cell vehicles is increasing, these vehicles will still coexist with combustion engine vehicles on the roads and will be exposed to an environment with significant amounts of contaminants that will decrease the durability of the fuel cell. To investigate different recovery methods, in this study, a PEM fuel cell was contaminated with 100 ppm of NO2 at the cathode side. The possibility to recover the cell performance was studied by using different airflow rates, different current densities, and by subjecting the cell to successive polarization curves. The results show that the successive polarization curves are the best choice for recovery; it took 35 min to reach full recovery of cell performance, compared to 4.5 h of recovery with pure air at 0.5 A cm−2 and 110 mL min−1. However, the performance recovery at a current density of 0.2 A cm−2 and air flow 275 mL min−1 was done in 66 min, which is also a possible alternative. Additionally, two operation techniques were suggested and compared during 7 h of operation: air recovery and air depletion. The air recovery technique was shown to be a better choice than the air depletion technique.

Anuradh Gunawardena, Sandun Fernando, Filip To

International Journal of Molecular Sciences • 2008

Saccharomyces cerevisiae present in common Baker’s yeast was used in a microbial fuel cell in which glucose was the carbon source. Methylene blue was used as the electronophore in the anode compartment, while potassium ferricyanide and methylene blue were tested as electron acceptors in the cathode compartment. Microbes in a mediator-free environment were used as the control. The experiment was performed in both open and closed circuit configurations under different loads ranging from 100 kΩ to 400Ω. The eukaryotic S. cerevisiae-based fuel cell showed improved performance when methylene blue and ferricyanide were used as electron mediators, rendering a maximum power generation of 146.71±7.7 mW/m3. The fuel cell generated a maximum open circuit voltage of 383.6±1.5 mV and recorded a maximum efficiency of 28±1.8 % under 100 kΩ of external load.

Dang‐Trang Nguyen, Kozo Taguchi

IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering • 2019

In this letter, a disposable micropower source was developed by integrating a microbial fuel cell (MFC) in filter paper. The paper‐based MFC could harvest electrical energy generated by Escherichia coli during the metabolic process. The air‐dried biofilm anode was activated by water for on‐demand electricity generation. This study aimed to optimize the anodic and cathodic materials for maximization of the MFC performance. The concentration of activated carbon powder in the anode and potassium ferricyanide in the cathode were optimized. The paper‐based MFC with the optimum anode and cathode generated a maximum power density of 8.4 µW/cm 2 . © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Tri Mulyono, Zulfikar Zulfikar, Misto Misto et al.

Computational And Experimental Research In Materials And Renewable Energy • 2023

The substrate is an important factor for efficient electricity production in Microbial Fuel Cell systems. The substrate is an organic compound that promotes the growth of active microbes. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of substrate type and concentration on the bioelectricity produced by a single-chamber MFC. Fructose and butyric acid were used as substrates and carbon felt used as an electrode. Types and variations in substrate concentration were applied to the soil media used in the MFC. After 3 weeks of incubation, the optimum power density value achieved by MFC with 90 g/L fructose substrate was 20.5 mW/m2. Whereas, MFC treated with 800 mg/L butyric acid produced a maximum power density of 19.7 mW/m2.Keywords: Substrate, Fructose, Butyric acid, Power density, Microbial Fuel Cell.

Ramesh Aryal, Chunjie Xia, Jia Liu

Water Environment Research • 2019

Abstract A two‐chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) was used for the first time for the remediation of an emerging contaminant—1,4‐dioxane in its anode chamber. Groundwater historically detected 1,4‐dioxane contamination was sampled from a Superfund site. Comparative study was carried out between metabolic (i.e., 1,4‐dioxane as sole carbon source) and cometabolic (i.e., 1,4‐dioxane and methanol as carbon sources) anodic degradations. It was found that cometabolic degradation increased 1,4‐dioxane removal by 10%–52% after 7 days and increased maximum power production of the MFC by 18% to 88.9 mW/m 3 . Oxalic acid was detected as a main metabolic degradation product. Beside oxalic acid, acetic acid and isopropanol were also detected as main products for cometabolic degradation. The presence of a biofilm for 1,4‐dioxane anodic degradation was observed by a scanning electron microscopy. Phyla of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, as well as a variety of species, were identified for the first time—especially Rikenella sp. and Solitalea canadensis , whose relative abundances were the highest of 18.8% and 24.0% for metabolic and cometabolic degradation, respectively. This study provided an innovative and sustainable approach for 1,4‐dioxane anodic biodegradation, which would be potentially utilized for remediation of groundwater contaminated by 1,4‐dioxane. Practitioner points Groundwater contaminated with 1,4‐dioxane was remediated in the anode chamber of a two‐chambered microbial fuel cell. Cometabolic pathway increased 1,4‐dioxane removal and power production of the MFC compared to metabolic pathway. The presence of a biofilm for 1,4‐dioxane anodic degradation was observed, and oxalic acid was a main degradation product. This study would be potentially utilized for 1,4‐dioxane‐contaminated groundwater remediation with simultaneous energy production. External voltage supply for bioelectrochemical remediation of groundwater would potentially be reduced when treating chlorinated hydrocarbons co‐occurred with 1,4‐dioxane.

Esra Ateş, Selim Latif Sanin

Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia • 2024

This study aimed to use whey and river sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) to produce electrical potential, which has been investigated rarely in previous studies. In this study, the majority of the microorganisms in the river SMFC mixed culture were Bacteroides and Clostridium. After the voltage and internal resistance were measured, the current and power density were calculated. The power density (279*10-3 mW/cm2 ) and maximum current density (1100*10-6 mA/cm2 ) were determined through computations. Bacteria present in river SMFCs showed the potential to generate electricity without any external mediators. By utilizing organic materials, bioelectricity can be produced affordably and sustainably. KEY WORDS: Electrical potential, SMFC, Treatment, Whey, River sediment Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1479-1491. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.22

Georgios Bampos, Symeon Bebelis

Electronics • 2022

A 21.7 wt.% Pd—7.3 wt.% Zn/C electrocatalyst prepared via the wet impregnation (w.i.) method was deposited onto commercial carbon cloth (E-TEK) and tested towards its electrocatalytic performance as a cathode electrode material for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a H2 fueled single proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). A commercial PtRu electrode (E-TEK) was used as PEM anode for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). The performance of the aforementioned PEMFC was compared with that of the same PEMFC with two different Pt-based cathodes, which were prepared by deposition onto commercial carbon cloth (E-TEK) of 29 wt.% Pt/C synthesized via w.i. and of commercial 29 wt.% Pt/C (TKK). The metal loading of the tested cathode electrodes was 0.5 mgmet cm−2. Comparison was based both on polarization curves and on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements at varying cell potential. In terms of power density, the lowest and highest performance was exhibited by the PEMFC with the 21.7 wt.% Pd—7.3 wt.% Zn/C cathode and the PEMFC with the commercial 29 wt.% Pt/C (TKK) cathode electrode, respectively. This behavior was in accordance with the results of EIS measurements, which showed that the PEMFC with the 21.7 wt.% Pd—7.3 wt.% Zn/C cathode exhibited the highest polarization resistance.

Pimprapa Chaijak, Nopparit Changkit, Alisa Kongthong

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Formatio Circumiectus • 2024

Aim of the study In our investigation, the freshwater microalgae Chlorella sp. BF01 to degrade the melanoidin in the palm oil mill effluent and generate electricity in the photosynthetic microbial fuel cell (PMFC). Material and methods The freshwater microalgae Chlorella sp. were used in a PMFC consortium for the degradation of melanoidin and electricity generation. The removal (%), electrochemical properties, and biomass recovery were monitored without adding exogenous medium. Results and conclusions In this study, lipid-producing microalgae were employed as whole-cell biocatalysts in a PMFC using palm oil mill effluent as a substrate. The maximal melanoidin removal of 79.54±0.45% was gained. The maximum power density reached was 3.98±0.10 W/m3. The research presents findings that pave the way for the practical implementation of this innovative approach on an industrial scale.

Panuwat Ekdharmasuit

Trends in Sciences • 2024

One of the main challenges with passive direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) is ethanol transport management since the liquid ethanol is supplied to the anode compartment by natural processes including convection and diffusion with a low cell operating condition. The significant layer in the cell is the diffusion layer (DL), which facilitates reactants to reach the anode catalyst layer (CL). In this study, the impact of various DLs fabricated of readily accessible commercial materials on cell performance in passive DEFCs with different ethanol feed concentrations was examined with various in-situ characterization methods. The results demonstrate that the cell with a DL coated by the hydrophobic microporous layer (MPL) yielded the best performance of 0.887 mW·cm-2 at the optimal ethanol feed concentration of 5 M. In conclusion, the benefits of enhancing ethanol mass transfer to the anode CL would outweigh the drawbacks of preventing ethanol crossover to the cathode. HIGHLIGHTS The effect of the anode diffusion layer (DL) on passive direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) performance was determined Five different anode DLs fabricated of readily accessible commercial materials were employed Various characterizations enabled the assessment of each loss affecting the passive DEFC performance The cell with an anode DL modified with a hydrophobic microporous layer (MPL) exhibited the best cell performance The optimal ethanol feed concentration of the best cell was found to be 5 M GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Zainab z. Ismail, Ahmed Yasir Radeef

Journal of Engineering • 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effect of total suspended solids (TSS) on the performance of a continuously operated dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) proceeded by primary clarifier to treat actual potato chips processing wastewater. The system was also tested in the absence of the primary clarifier and the results demonstrated a significant effect of TSS on the polarization curve of the MFC which was obtained by operating the graphite anodic electrode against Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The maximum observed power and current densities were decreased form 102.42 mW/m2 and 447.26 mA/m2 to 80.16 mW/m2 and 299.10 mA/m2, respectively due to the adverse effect of TSS. Also, the internal resistance increased from 40 to 70Ω.

Okan Avci, Yudum T. Büyüksünetçi, Ziba Güley et al.

ChemistrySelect • 2021

Abstract In this work, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DLP27 (L .lactis) strain isolated from a traditional Turkish raw milk cheese, Divle Obruk Cheese, was used as a biocatalyst on the bioanode combined with a platinum cathode to fabricate a Nafion membrane based double compartment microbial fuel cell (MFC). Graphene‐gold‐platinum hybrid nanomaterial was used as modifier in L. lactis immobilized carbon felt based bioanode. Developed Nafion membrane based double compartment MFC characteristics were inspected by using optimized bioanode. In consequence, an open‐circuit voltage of 0.282 V, a maximum current density of 59.52 μA/cm 2 and a maximum power density of 2.12 μW/cm 2 were achieved with excellent lifetime of 49 days with developed MFC system.

Juan Carlos Fragoso-Jiménez, Rosa María Gutierrez-Rios, Noemí Flores et al.

Microbial Cell Factories • 2022

Abstract Background The modification of glucose import capacity is an engineering strategy that has been shown to improve the characteristics of Escherichia coli as a microbial factory. A reduction in glucose import capacity can have a positive effect on production strain performance, however, this is not always the case. In this study, E. coli W3110 and a group of four isogenic derivative strains, harboring single or multiple deletions of genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS)-dependent transporters as well as non-PTS transporters were characterized by determining their transcriptomic response to reduced glucose import capacity. Results These strains were grown in bioreactors with M9 mineral salts medium containing 20 g/L of glucose, where they displayed specific growth rates ranging from 0.67 to 0.27 h −1 , and specific glucose consumption rates ( qs ) ranging from 1.78 to 0.37 g/g h. RNA-seq analysis revealed a transcriptional response consistent with carbon source limitation among all the mutant strains, involving functions related to transport and metabolism of alternate carbon sources and characterized by a decrease in genes encoding glycolytic enzymes and an increase in gluconeogenic functions. A total of 107 and 185 genes displayed positive and negative correlations with qs , respectively. Functions displaying positive correlation included energy generation, amino acid biosynthesis, and sugar import. Conclusion Changes in gene expression of E. coli strains with impaired glucose import capacity could be correlated with qs values and this allowed an inference of the physiological state of each mutant. In strains with lower qs values, a gene expression pattern is consistent with energy limitation and entry into the stationary phase. This physiological state could explain why these strains display a lower capacity to produce recombinant protein, even when they show very low rates of acetate production. The comparison of the transcriptomes of the engineered strains employed as microbial factories is an effective approach for identifying favorable phenotypes with the potential to improve the synthesis of biotechnological products.

Atikur Rahman, Md Saidul Borhan, Shafiqur Rahman

Water Science and Technology • 2017

Abstract Bioelectricity generation from biodegradable compounds using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offers an opportunity for simultaneous wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the synergy of electricity generation by the MFC while reducing pollutants from sugar beet processing wastewater (SBPW). A simple dual-chamber MFC was constructed with inexpensive materials without using catalysts. Raw SBPW was diluted to several concentrations (chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 505 to 5,750 mg L−1) and fed as batch-mode into the MFC without further modification. A power density of 14.9 mW m−2 as power output was observed at a COD concentration of 2,565 mg L−1. Coulombic efficiency varied from 6.21% to 0.73%, indicating diffusion of oxygen through the cation exchange membrane and other methanogenesis and fermentation processes occurring in the anode chamber. In this study, >97% of the COD and up to 100% of the total suspended solids removals were observed from MFC-treated SBPW. Scanning electron microscopy of anode indicated that a diverse community of microbial consortia was active for electricity generation and wastewater treatment. This study demonstrated that SBPW can be used as a substrate in the MFC to generate electricity as well as to treat for pollutant removal.

Luca Andreassi, Stefano Cordiner, Massimo Feola et al.

Volume 1 • 2003

Fuel cells (FC) technology applied to energy production could represent an effective solution to face greenhouse gas emissions and to differentiate energy sources. However, real performances of FC systems still represent a critical issue in the definition of an assessed and economically competitive technology. In fact, FC performances depend on many variables such as temperature, pressure, current, membrane humidification, stoichiometry of the reactant gas, etc.; additionally, many of these influencing parameters depend one on the other, further complicating the analysis. Numerical simulation could greatly contribute to a better understanding of the influence of design parameters. Nevertheless, the availability of experimental data to validate and to verify the numerical models is an imperative issue. The primary target of the research activity described in this paper is the set up of an experimental test bench for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM FC) at the Department of Mechanical Engineer of the University of Roma Tor Vergata aiming to completely test 8 cells 0.1 kW stack: the measured data are fundamental to validate the numerical models which have been developed by the Authors following different hierarchical levels (both semi-empirical and dimensional analytical approach) with different predictive capabilities. This apparatus allows the control of the reactant gas mass flow rates, stack pressure, humidity, current, temperature and voltage. In this way it is possible to assess a mixed experimental-numerical methodology allowing a tuning procedure for the developed models making a wide use of dedicated experimental data. The preliminary results in terms of comparisons between experimental and computational data show a good agreement even by varying some of the most performance-affecting parameters such as operating pressure and temperature.

Aris Mukimin, Nur Zen, Hanny Vistanty et al.

Jurnal Riset Teknologi Pencegahan Pencemaran Industri • 2020

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a new proposed technology reported to generate renewable energy while simultaneously treating wastewater. Membraneless microbial fuel cell (ML-MFC) system was developed to eliminate the requirement of membrane which is expensive and prone to clogging while enhancing electricity generation and wastewater treatment efficiency. For this purpose, a reactor was designed in two chambers and connected via three pipes (1 cm in diameter) to enhance fluid diffusion. Influent flowrate was maintained by adjusting peristaltic pump at the base of anaerobic chamber. Carbon cloth (235 cm2) was used as anode and paired with gas diffusion layer (GDL) carbon-Pt as cathode. Anaerobic sludge was filtered and used as starter feed for the anaerobic chamber. The experiment was carried out by feeding synthetic wastewater to anaerobic chamber; while current response and potential were recorded. Performance of reactor was evaluated in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD). Electroactive microbe was inoculated from anaerobic sludge and showed current response (0.55-0.65 mA) at 0,35 V, range of diameter 1.5-2 µm. The result of microscopics can showed three different species. The microbial performance was increased by adding ferric oxide 1 mM addition as acceptor electron. The reactor was able to generate current, voltage, and electricity power of 0.36 mA, 110 mV, and 40 mWatt (1.5 Watt/m2), respectively, while reaching COD removal and maximum coulomb efficiency (EC) of 16% and 10.18%, respectively.

Ruiwen Wang, Mei Yan, Huidong Li et al.

Advanced Materials • 2018

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have received great attention worldwide due to their potential in recovering electrical energy from waste and inexhaustible biomass. Unfortunately, the difficulty of achieving the high power, especially in real samples, remains a bottleneck for their practical applications. Herein, FeS 2 nanoparticles decorated graphene is fabricated via a simple hydrothermal reaction. The FeS 2 nanoparticles decorated graphene anode not only benefits bacterial adhesion and enrichment of electrochemically active Geobacter species on the electrode surface but also promotes efficient extracellular electron transfer, thus giving rise to a fast start‐up time of 2 d, an unprecedented power density of 3220 mW m −2 and a remarkable current density of 3.06 A m −2 in the acetate‐feeding and mixed bacteria‐based MFCs. Most importantly, the FeS 2 nanoparticles decorated graphene anode successfully achieves a power density of 310 mW m −2 with simultaneous removal of 1319 ± 28 mg L −1 chemical oxygen demand in effluents from a beer factory wastewater. The characteristics of improved power generation and enhanced pollutant removal efficiency opens the door toward development of high‐performance MFCs via rational anode design for practical application.

João Vitor Aires Teixeira, Elki Cristina De Souza

DESAFIOS - Revista Interdisciplinar da Universidade Federal do Tocantins • 2025

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation, with their efficiency being highly dependent on microbial community composition, which varies considerably across effluent types and operational conditions. In this study, metagenomic sequencing libraries of 16S rRNA amplicons were obtained from 227 samples across 30 published MFC studies. These libraries were processed using the QIIME2 v2025.5.1 amplicon data analysis pipeline to perform taxonomic classification, evaluate microbial diversity metrics, and infer functional pathway associations. Despite the variability observed, common electroactive genera such as Geobacter (1.10%) and organic matter degraders like Proteiniphilum (0.84%) were consistently identified, along with halotolerant Halobacteriota in high-salinity environments. At the phylum level, Pseudomonadota (13.45%) and Bacteroidota (9.88%) were predominant, with functional pathways linked to extracellular electron transfer, biofilm formation, and pollutant degradation. These findings underscore key microbial taxa and metabolic processes critical to MFC performance, providing a foundation for optimizing microbial consortia and refining operational strategies to enhance bioenergy production and wastewater treatment across diverse environmental contexts.

Misto, Siswanto, Tri Mulyono et al.

BIO Web of Conferences • 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology that converts organic waste into electrical energy through bacterial activity. The process involves capturing a low voltage of approximately 0.4 V generated by the MFC using a small capacitor, which is then stored and transferred to a larger capacitor to increase the capacity. In order for this energy to be used for general AC-powered devices, an inverter is essential to convert the DC output to AC. This system, consisting of a series of capacitors and inverters, along with voltage dampers and rectifiers, forms a circuit that can potentially function as an efficient low-power generator. The effectiveness of this arrangement remains to be tested, which will determine its viability as a renewable energy storage solution.

Min-Chi Hsieh, Chiu-Yu Cheng, Man-Hai Liu et al.

Sensors • 2015

The conventional Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) method takes five days to analyze samples. A microbial fuel cell (MFC) may be an alternate tool for rapid BOD determination in water. However, a MFC biosensor for continuous BOD measurements of water samples is still unavailable. In this study, a MFC biosensor inoculated with known mixed cultures was used to determine the BOD concentration. Effects of important parameters on establishing a calibration curve between the BOD concentration and output signal from the MFC were evaluated. The results indicate monosaccharides were good fuel, and methionine, phenylalanine, and ethanol were poor fuels for electricity generation by the MFC. Ions in the influent did not significantly affect the MFC performance. CN− in the influent could alleviate the effect of antagonistic electron acceptors on the MFC performance. The regression equation for BOD concentration and current density of the biosensor was y = 0.0145x + 0.3317. It was adopted to measure accurately and continuously the BOD concentration in actual water samples at an acceptable error margin. These results clearly show the developed MFC biosensor has great potential as an alternative BOD sensing device for online measurements of wastewater BOD.

Siti Kudnie Sahari, Nashley Ursula Mundi Ujai, Thommy Thomas et al.

Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology • 2025

The study examines the effect of chamber size, Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) arrangement, environmental conditions on voltage production, and the influence of connecting Power Management System (PMS) with MFC. A 6-unit single-chamber MFC device was built using soil as a catalyst and coconut leaves as a substrate. It was then connected to a PMS. The study showed that a 350 ml MFC unit arranged in series produced a greater voltage of 457 mV compared to a 700 ml container. The smaller chamber was connected in series and integrated with a PMS consisting of a charge pump, DC-DC boost converter, and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which led to a maximum stable voltage of 10.56 V. It highlights the possibility of increasing voltage consistently by using smaller MFC chambers, dirt as a catalyst, coconut leaves as a substrate, and aluminum as an electrode, together with a thorough PMS setup.

Jenna Heilmann, Bruce E. Logan

Water Environment Research • 2006

Electricity generation was examined from proteins and a protein‐rich wastewater using a single chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). The maximum power densities achieved were 354 ± 10 mW/m 2 using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 269 ± 14 mW/m 2 using peptone (1100 mg/L BSA and 300 mg/L peptone). The recovery of organic matter as electricity, defined as the Coulombic efficiency (CE), was comparable to that obtained with other substrates with CE = 20.6% for BSA and CE = 6.0% for peptone. A meat packing wastewater (MPW), diluted to 1420 mg/L chemical oxygen demand, produced 80 ± 1 mW/m 2 , and power was increased by 33% by adding salt (300 mg/L sodium chloride) to increase solution conductivity. A wastewater inoculum generated 33% less power than the MPW inoculum. The MFC was an effective method of wastewater treatment, demonstrated by >86% of biochemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon removal from wastewater.

P Gajbhiye, K S Maan, J S Kahlon

Journal of Physics: Conference Series • 2022

Abstract Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) has been attracting significant attention as it not only treats waste water but also generates electricity from using waste water thereby producing electricity. The present paper presents the use of MFC in converting the waste water into electricity using a PVA membrane and graphite electrodes assembled in a lab made single MFC stack. The highest voltage obtained as 452 mV in open circuit condition which got stabilized after working for 8hrs of operation and the membrane lasted for more than 10 days of operation. The maximum current density produced was 1400mA/sqm and the ion exchange capacity was found to be 1.2meq/gm. FTIR, contact angle, TGA and SEM analysis of the membrane was also done.

Carlo Santoro, Cristina Flores-Cadengo, Francesca Soavi et al.

Scientific Reports • 2018

Abstract In this work, a microbial fuel cell (MFC) stack containing 28 ceramic MFCs was tested in both standard and supercapacitive modes. The MFCs consisted of carbon veil anodes wrapped around the ceramic separator and air-breathing cathodes based on activated carbon catalyst pressed on a stainless steel mesh. The anodes and cathodes were connected in parallel. The electrolytes utilized had different solution conductivities ranging from 2.0 mScm −1 to 40.1 mScm −1 , simulating diverse wastewaters. Polarization curves of MFCs showed a general enhancement in performance with the increase of the electrolyte solution conductivity. The maximum stationary power density was 3.2 mW (3.2 Wm −3 ) at 2.0 mScm −1 that increased to 10.6 mW (10.6 Wm −3 ) at the highest solution conductivity (40.1 mScm −1 ). For the first time, MFCs stack with 1 L operating volume was also tested in supercapacitive mode, where full galvanostatic discharges are presented. Also in the latter case, performance once again improved with the increase in solution conductivity. Particularly, the increase in solution conductivity decreased dramatically the ohmic resistance and therefore the time for complete discharge was elongated, with a resultant increase in power. Maximum power achieved varied between 7.6 mW (7.6 Wm −3 ) at 2.0 mScm −1 and 27.4 mW (27.4 Wm −3 ) at 40.1 mScm −1 .

Oluwatosin Obata, Xavier Alexis Walter, John Greenman et al.

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2018

Microbial fuel cell technology harnesses the potential of some naturally occurring bacteria for electricity generation. To initiate the operation of microbial fuel cells, inoculation with different types of bacterial community, including those found in activated sludge, are employed. There are however, health hazards associated with the use of digested activated sludge and this of course depends on where the sample has been sourced from. Organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enteric viruses have been reported in activated sludge, which can have practical difficulties when working with such samples. Therefore, the development of an efficient electroactive bacterial community, capable of producing optimum power output without the need for sludge inoculation, would eliminate any potential risks. In the current study, we developed an efficient electroactive bacterial community within a ceramic based MFC system, using only fresh urine as the inoculum. Efficient biofilm development was achieved by stepwise adjustment of the external resistance, following 48 hours of open circuit operation. This resulted in a uniform bacterial community with power output levels >50% higher than those inoculated (as per standard practice) with activated sludge. The results showed that power generation begins within 2 days of experimental set-up, compared to at least 5 days in sludge inoculated systems, thus significantly reducing start up time. Incidentally, the development of the bacterial community occurs irrespective of the freshness or age of the urine feed. Given the difficulty in moving suitable activated sludge across countries/borders and that practical application of MFCs technology is more likely to occur in remote rural locations, it is possible that suitable activated sludge might not be available for inoculation locally. Therefore, deployment of MFC systems capable of producing optimum power without the need for sludge-inoculation would be beneficial to their widespread global application. This is the first report of an in situ development of an electroactive bacterial community in urine-fed MFC systems that outperform those initially inoculated with activated sludge. Keywords: In situ bacterial community development, Microbial fuel cell, Fresh urine, Electrogenic bacterial community.

Zaini Abdul Halim, Nor Raihana Abu Sepian, Khairiah Abd Karim

Materials Science Forum • 2017

This study is conducted to determine the potential of palm oil mill effluent (POME) as medium for growing sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB) in anaerobic condition for microbial fuel cell application. In this study, effect of different percentage (20-70%) of POME was investigated on the growing cell of SRB. The bacterium was propagated in 400 ml Schott bottle at 35°C, pH 7.8 purged with nitrogen gas. The optical density during the growth of SRB was measured using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer at 600nm wavelength and the weight of dry cell was calculated to determine the specific growth rate. The highest specific growth rate (0.0636/hr) of SRB was achieved using 20% of POME compared to the media without POME (0.0464/hr). The increment is around 37%. The output voltage with 20% of POME is 0.23V which is 55.5% improvement compared to the medium without POME, thus proved that POME has the potential as growth medium for SRB in anaerobic condition for microbial fuel cell application. Booster circuit is possible to be used to boost the output voltage of the MFC until 3V which is more useful for electronic applications.

Cynthia K. Akaluka, Justinah C. Orji, Wesley Braide et al.

International Letters of Natural Sciences • 2016

The capacity of Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to produce voltage and concurrently treat abattoir waste water was investigated in MFCs that used 0.1M potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN)6] as catholytes. Physicochemical, electrochemical and Microbiological properties of the MFCs were monitored. The open circuit voltage (OCV) readings were taken at 3 hours interval and maximum OCV of 965mV was recorded. Also, The physicochemical characteristics of the MFCs revealed that the pH decreased by 0.2 after treatment; Chemical Oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, ammonia, and total nitrogen reduced by 88.4%, 65.56%, 43.88%, 60% and 60% respectively. However, Phosphate increased by 54%. The bacterial isolates from the raw abattoir wastewater were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus while Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli were isolated from the biofilms on the anode. Microbial fuel cells therefore have capacities for simultaneous waste water treatment and electricity generation.

K. Saravanakumar, R. Rajeswari

Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience • 2019

Summary Renewable energy sources are useful for sustainable monitoring, but still very limited today due to various implementation constraints. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are considered a promising renewable power source for remote monitoring applications. They are used as wireless temperature sensors and biosensors due to their ability in powering environmental sensors. MFCs can provide ultralow and dynamic power, and hence, energy improvement is crucial for self‐powered biosensors. Cloud computing–based IoT framework is proposed for environment monitoring using MFC‐based biosensors. This paper presents the electric energy harvesting from Oryza Sativa plants with bacteria as the catalyst. It adopts the technology of MFC in the plants to extract the maximum energy. An effective power management with IoT cloud framework is presented in this work to independently operate multiple MFCs to generate maximum power. Independently operated MFCs with electrically isolated electrodes have been utilized in the design of a suitable power management system. Cloud computing is utilized in this work to process the data generated in continuous monitoring of environment. Experimental results show that the proposed framework can achieve sustainable power for sensor nodes and achieves maximum performance in environment monitoring using cloud‐based IoT platform.

Matheus Henrique Alcântara de Lima Cardozo, Isabel Cristina Braga Rodrigues, Demian Patrick Fabiano et al.

Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental • 2024

Objective: This work aimed to employ fuzzy logic combined with the design of experiments technique to statistically evaluate how the microbial fuel cells operating parameters influence their performance. Theoretical Framework: Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a technology of interest in the current scenario as they allow simultaneously promoting the biotreatment of waste and the bio generation of electrical energy. Methodology: Through a bibliographical search based on publications on Google Scholar platform over the last 10 years, it was noticed that anode area, external electrical resistance and reactor volume are the most reported input parameters in MFC research and current density and power density are the output parameters most frequently portrayed in these studies, which is why these variables were selected for statistical investigation. Results and Discussion: The results showed that, for both outputs studied, reactor volume and anode area showed a positive effect, while the external electrical resistance showed a negative effect. It was also possible to develop mathematical models that indicated the relationship between the input and output variables studied, with statistical significance for power density model (R2 = 86%). Originality: Applying computational simulations and subsequent design of experiments to obtain results in accordance with those obtained experimentally in the laboratory.

Li Wang, Jiafeng Fu, Wenlei Wang et al.

E3S Web of Conferences • 2020

This work explores the effect of the ammonia concentration on the wetland synthesis of microbial fuel cell (MFC) and on the production and the efficiency of sewage purification. Four ammonia concentrations from 1 to 30 mg/L have been selected. Under the fixed condition of a chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration of 200 mg/L, a constructed wetland microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) could be built. The results show that by selecting the optimum ammonia concentration the production of the CW-MFC could be promoted; a higher ammonia concentration (>20 mg/L) is found to inhibit the production activity of CW-MFC. In the optimum conditions, Cathode and anode thickness is 10 cm, the ammonia concentration is 10 mg/L, the COD concentration of 200 mg/L, the maximum power density of the battery is 13.6 W/m 3 , the corresponding current density is 148.6 A/m 3 and the battery internal resistance is 270 Ω. At the ammonia nitrogen concentration of 10 mg/L, the removal rates of ammonia nitrogen and COD were up to 89.7% and 98.47% respectively. As the ammonia nitrogen concentration increased to 30 mg/L, the ammonia nitrogen and COD removal rates decreased to 74.6% and 90.69% respectively. That is, when the ammonia nitrogen concentration is 10 mg/L, CW-MFC can exhibit the best performance.