N Emalya, R Berutu, Alfiansyah et al.

IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science • 2022

Abstract The sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) is a new technology that uses exoelectrogenic bacteria and organic compounds to transform chemical energy into electrical energy. The application of SMFC technology is gaining popularity since it can simultaneously reduce contaminants in wastewater and generate electricity. An SMFC performance is mainly governed by the kinetics of the electrodes within the fuel cell, of which the materials that make up the electrodes significantly impact their performance. The objective of the ongoing investigation was to study the performance of three types of electrodes for minimizing pollutants from landfill leachate wastewater while also generating electrical energy. Sediment and leachate samples were taken from the Regional Landfill wastewater treatment facility in Blang Bintang, Aceh Besar, the Province of Aceh. Three transparent acrylic reactors with a length, width, and height of 45 cm, 20 cm, and 12 cm, respectively, were employed in this experiment. The electrode materials utilized in this study were zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe), with each electrode having a surface area of 124 cm 2 . Temperature, pH, voltage, and carbonaceous compound removal measured as COD were used to assess the SMFC performance. The study results showed that the temperature and pH of the three reactors have a similar trend, and the values are not much different at 24.36±0.25°C and 9±0.03, respectively. The reactor installed with Cu electrode produced the maximum electrical voltage of 470 mV, whereas those with Fe and Zn had the highest voltages of 107 mV and 23 mV, respectively. The percentage of COD removal for reactors equipped with Zn, Cu, and Fe electrodes was 40.70%, 41.09%, and 41.23%, respectively. Although the COD removal by each reactor of different electrode materials did not show a significant difference, the reactor with Cu electrode gave better performance when viewed from the electrical voltage.

Sema Tuğçe Baykara, Gizem Hazan Akçay, Aygün Çalı et al.

Polymer International • 2025

Abstract This study explores the development and comprehensive evaluation of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )‐doped, thermally crosslinked sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend membranes for microbial fuel cell (MFC) applications. The membranes were synthesized with varying TiO 2 concentrations and characterized through analyses of water content, ion exchange capacity, swelling behavior, mechanical strength, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Incorporation of TiO 2 significantly enhanced proton conductivity and reduced water‐induced mass loss compared to undoped membranes. Among the various compositions, the membrane containing 5 wt% TiO 2 (SPEEK/PVA‐5T) demonstrated the highest proton conductivity of 0.4346 S cm −1 at 25 °C, indicating superior performance. The membranes were tested in a cylindrical H‐type MFC setup. The SPEEK/PVA‐5T membrane achieved a maximum voltage output of 560.610 mV and a power density of 62.856 μW m −2 , in comparison to a commercial Nafion 117 membrane, which delivered 777.740 mV and 120.975 μW m −2 . These findings underscore the potential of the SPEEK/PVA‐5T membrane as an effective and sustainable alternative for MFC applications, offering enhanced ion transport and contributing to the advancement of carbon‐neutral energy technologies. This work represents a meaningful step toward the development of high‐performance, eco‐friendly membrane materials for renewable energy systems. © 2025 The Author(s). Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

L. Szydlowski, J. Ehlich, N. Shibata et al.

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2021

We demonstrate a single chamber, 96-well plate based Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). This invention is aimed at robust selection of electrogenic microbial community under specific conditions, (pH, external resistance, inoculum) that can be altered within the 96 well plate array. Using this device, we selected and multiplicated electrogenic microbial communities fed with acetate and lactate that can operate under different pH and produce current densities up to 19.4 A/m 3 (0.6 A/m 2 ) within 5 days past inoculation. Moreover, studies shown that Cu mobilization through PCB bioleaching occurred, thus each community was able to withstand presence of Cu 2+ ions up to 600 mg/L. Metagenome analysis reveals high abundance of Dietzia spp., previously characterized in MFCs, but not reported to grow at pH 4, as well as novel species, closely related to Actinotalea ferrariae , not yet associated with electrogenicity. Microscopic observations (combined SEM and EDS) reveal that some of the species present in the anodic biofilm were adsorbing copper on their surface, probably due to the presence of metalloprotein complexes on their outer membranes. Taxonomy analysis indicated that similar consortia populate anodes, cathodes and OCP controls, although total abundances of aforementioned species are different among those groups. Annotated metagenomes showed high presence of multicopper oxidases and Cu-resistance genes, as well as genes encoding aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading enzymes. Comparison between annotated and binned metagenomes from pH 4 and 7 anodes, as well as their OCP controls revealed unique genes present in all of them, with majority of unique genes present in pH 7 anode, where novel Actinotalea spp. was present.

A. Brisse, J. Schefold, C. Stoots et al.

Innovations in Fuel Cell Technologies • 2010

Present global hydrogen demand is met to a large extent by fossil fuels. Hydrogen is produced via alkaline electrolysis of water only, when the required electric energy is readily available. Alternatively, hydrogen can be produced by water electrolysis with reversibly operated fuel cells, PEMFCs or SOFCs. PEM electrolysis is technologically mature with an energy-conversion efficiency (electrical-to-chemical) somewhat above the one of alkaline electrolysis (70-80%). Higher efficiency for electrolysis is expected with increasing temperature as consequence of the decrease of the molar Gibbs energy of the reaction. This was first confirmed with the reversible operation of tubular SOFCs as solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) in pioneering works in the 1980ies. With present SOFCs operated as SOECs, notably the planar cells, the theoretically predicted efficiencies are more and more approached in the experiment. State-of-the-art SOECs may be operated with and without external heat supply; already without heat supply the electrical-to-chemical energy-conversion efficiency is above the one of low temperature electrolysers. Operation cell voltages are around 1.1 to 1.3 V at 800°C at a Faradaic efficiency of 100%. The high efficiency may render the SOEC technology attractive for the storage of (intermittent) renewable energy, such as wind or solar. In this chapter, examples for the actual state of research on SOECs as well as on SOEC stacks and systems are given, notably their current-voltage response and behaviour under long-term operation. Moreover, some development options – and potential hurdles like cell degradation – are summarised for this potentially new branch of the solid oxide cell technology.

Haolin Tang, Sanping Jiang

ECS Transactions • 2008

A novel conception of inorganic proton exchange membrane for elevated temperature PEM fuel cell was proposed in this research. The inorganic electrolyte was approached by trapping heteropolyacid (HPA) molecules inside mesoporous silica structure via a self-assembly route assisted with a structure-directing surfactant, and then construct an inorganic membrane based on mesoporous silica matrix and HPA proton conducting sites. Such mesoporous HPA/silica significantly enhance the stability of HPA molecules, and provided continuous proton transfer channels with diameter of 3~4 nm, resulting high proton conductivity of about 0.05 S/cm at 300oC. A PEMFC based on the mesoporous HPA/silica inorganic PEM and a non-platinum cathode catalyst achieved a power density of 102 mW/cm2 at 300oC, closing to the performance of the cell with Pt catalyst at temperature of 80 oC.

Ruikai Zhang, Wentao Dai, Hongyong Xiang et al.

Frontiers in Microbiology • 2025

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have become one of the most promising technologies in the field of ecology and environmental science due to their dual functions of power generation and pollutant removal. However, the generally low power generation performance of MFCs is one of the bottlenecks constraining their development, and numerous studies have focused on the improvement of power generation performance. The majority of previous empirical studies were based on single experimental data, which means there may be large differences in experimental conditions and settings, leading to various or even contradictory conclusions. In this study, we collected a total of 10,826 cases from 186 publications in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database to quantitatively and systematically investigate the general patterns and driving factors of power generation performance in MFCs. Our results showed that (1) the power density, voltage, and reaction duration were significantly lower (~25%) in this study, while the coulombic efficiency and ambient temperature were significantly higher (13.4–33.1%) than those reported in other meta-analyses or review papers; (2) reaction chamber volume and cathode surface area were stronger predictors for the majority of power generation performance indices than other device configuration indices, especially cathode chamber volume, which explained >70% of the variances in power density and coulombic efficiency; (3) ambient temperature, external resistance, and reaction duration had greater effects on power generation performance than other reaction conditions; and (4) substrates with pre-treatment, especially with biological treatment, showed 10–40% higher values for the majority of power generation performance indices compared to pre-treatment with physical and chemical methods, and solid substrates showed better power generation performance than liquid and fluid substrates for the majority of indices. Our results suggest that dual-chamber systems, larger cathode surface areas, neutral pH levels, ambient temperatures of 30–35°C, and biological pre-treatment of substrates may be helpful in improving the power generation performance of MFCs.

Maher A.R. Sadiq Al-Baghdadi

Journal of Mechatronics, Electrical Power, and Vehicular Technology • 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive three–dimensional, multi–phase, non-isothermal model of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell that incorporates significant physical processes and key parameters affecting the fuel cell performance. The model construction involves equations derivation, boundary conditions setting, and solution algorithm flow chart. Equations in gas flow channels, gas diffusion layers (GDLs), catalyst layers (CLs), and membrane as well as equations governing cell potential and hygro-thermal stresses are described. The algorithm flow chart starts from input of the desired cell current density, initialization, iteration of the equations solution, and finalizations by calculating the cell potential. In order to analyze performance, water and thermal distribution, and mechanical related failure in the cell, the equations are solved using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code. Performance analysis includes a performance curve which plots the cell potential (Volt) against nominal current density (A/cm2) as well as losses. Velocity vectors of gas and liquid water, liquid water saturation, and water content profile are calculated. Thermal distribution is then calculated together with hygro-thermal stresses and deformation. The CFD model was executed under boundary conditions of 20°C room temperature, 35% relative humidity, and 1 MPA pressure on the lower surface. Parameters values of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and other base conditions are selected. A cell with dimension of 1 mm x 1 mm x 50 mm is used as the object of analysis. The nominal current density of 1.4 A/cm2 is given as the input of the CFD calculation. The results show that the model represents well the performance curve obtained through experiment. Moreover, it can be concluded that the model can help in understanding complex process in the cell which is hard to be studied experimentally, and also provides computer aided tool for design and optimization of PEM fuel cells to realize higher power density and lower cost.

Keith Scott, Cassandro Murano

Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology • 2007

Abstract The cell voltage and power performance of a microbial fuel cell utilising waste carbohydrate as a fuel, that does not use a mediator, catalysts or a proton exchange membrane, is reported. Tests were conducted with the cell operated essentially as a battery using manure sludge as fuel and with oxygen reduction in an aqueous solution. Using carbon cloth as both anode and cathode, the cell produced peak power of the order of 5 mW m −2 . The cell performance was not greatly influenced by the quantity of fuel used and required a suitable separation between the cathode, anode and sludge/water interface. Agitation of the sludge did not adversely affect the cell performance, indicating that a continuous fuel cell system could be operated using the manure sludge. Using a platinised carbon cathode doubled the power density to over 10 mW m −2 . The use of nickel as an alternative cathode catalyst was not found to be effective under the conditions of operation of the cell. The cell power performance was found to be consistent and stable over the 3 month duration of the tests, after which point over 95% consumption of carbohydrate was achieved. Examination of the carbon anodes after the tests showed consistent formation of a biofilm on the surface of the fibres. A cell stack design based on multiple pocket anodes containing the fuel sludge has also been demonstrated. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Liping Huang, Linlin Gan, Ning Wang et al.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering • 2012

Abstract The combined anaerobic–aerobic conditions in air‐cathode single‐chamber MFCs were used to completely mineralize pentachlorophenol (PCP; 5 mg/L), in the presence of acetate or glucose. Degradation rates of 0.140 ± 0.011 mg/L‐h (acetate) and 0.117 ± 0.009 mg/L‐h (glucose) were obtained with maximum power densities of 7.7 ± 1.1 W/m 3 (264 ± 39 W/m 2 , acetate) and 5.1 ± 0.1 W/m 3 (175 ± 5 W/m 2 , glucose). At a higher PCP concentration of 15 mg/L, PCP degradation rates increased to 0.171 ± 0.01 mg/L‐h (acetate) and 0.159 ± 0.011 mg/L‐h (glucose). However, power was inversely proportional to initial PCP concentration, with decreases of 0.255 W/mg PCP (acetate) and 0.184 W/mg PCP (glucose). High pH (9.0, acetate; 8.0, glucose) was beneficial to exoelectrogenic activities and power generation, whereas an acidic pH = 5.0 decreased power but increased PCP degradation rates (0.195 ± 0.002 mg/L‐h, acetate; 0.173 ± 0.005 mg/L‐h, glucose). Increasing temperature from 22 to 35°C enhanced power production by 37% (glucose) to 70% (acetate), and PCP degradation rates (0.188 ± 0.01 mg/L‐h, acetate; 0.172 ± 0.009 mg/L‐h, glucose). Dominant exoelectrogens of Pseudomonas (acetate) and Klebsiella (glucose) were identified in the biofilms. These results demonstrate that PCP degradation using air‐cathode single‐chamber MFCs may be a promising process for remediation of water contaminated with PCP as well as for power generation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 2211–2221. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chamath D. Y. Yahampath Arachchige Don, Sandhya Babel

Applied Research • 2023

Abstract A microbial fuel cell (MFC) consisting of a bacterial anode chamber and a microalgal cathode chamber was operated under various conditions to assess its technical feasibility. Maximum achievable power density reached up to 7.13 mW m –2 . The traditional MFC process of conversion of carbon sources to bioelectricity in the anodic chamber was compared with a system circulating anodic effluent to the cathode chamber. The bacteria and microalgae simultaneously carried out the carbon recycling and recovery of energy and resources synergizing the performance of MFC. Results indicated a comparable chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies at 50% of the retention time compared to the traditional system. The dissolved oxygen concentration varied between 11.95 and 7.44 mg L –1 with Chlorella vulgaris under alternative light and dark cycles. Despite the variations in electricity output, the system showed its technical feasibility to harness energy for photosynthesis under natural sunlight conditions.

Pavlos K. Pandis, Eleftherios Michopoulos, Charalambos Arvanitis et al.

Key Engineering Materials • 2023

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are attracting attention for their application in simultaneous energy production and waste treatment, as innovative biochemical reactors. They usually operate under adiabatic conditions, utilizing microorganisms to treat wastewater compositions using mainly carbon-based electrodes as anodes and cathodes. During the past years, various anodic and cathodic electrodes with plenty of variations were used in MFC configurations. On the anode side metal-based electrodes are used while on the cathode, ceramic electrodes are currently introduced. In this study, a stainless steel anode is used in a single chamber MFC. Ceramic cathodic electrodes are used, coated with Fly Ash (FA). The mixed transition oxides of FA are tested as potential cathodic catalysts in the operation of the MFC. The FA powder was deposited by two methods: an ultrasound-assisted method and a conventional brush coating. Tannery liquid waste is used as the waste/substrate to be treated in the single-chamber MFC. The configuration with ultrasound-assisted Fly-Ash produced cathodic electrodes, led to the highest power output in batch operation modes and a high degree of simultaneous COD decrease of the tannery waste reaching the values of 0.44 mW/g cat and 85.6% COD removal respectively.

Chenar A. Tahir, Charu Agarwal, Zoltán Pásztory et al.

Discover Water • 2024

Abstract In this study, we introduce a novel application of wood as the construction material for Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) containers, developing what we term the Wooden Membrane-less Microbial Fuel Cell (WML-MFC). This innovative approach leverages the natural properties of wood to enhance the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of MFCs. Employing three different types of wood—pine, oak, and black locust—the WML-MFC design incorporates a carbon felt anode inside the wooden container and a carbon cloth cathode wrapped externally. This configuration not only protects the cathode from biofouling but also utilizes the inherent moisture management capabilities of wood to maintain operational stability. The performance of these wooden MFCs was assessed in terms of electricity generation and water treatment efficacy. Pine and oak containers achieved maximum power densities (MPD) of 35 mW/m^2 and 4 mW/m^2, respectively, with corresponding maximum open-circuit voltages of 551 mV and 269 mV. Black locust showed the least effective bioelectricity generation. COD removal efficiency was observed between 18 and 48% for pine and 3% to 39% for oak over hydraulic retention times of 24–48 h. Notable water loss due to moisture diffusion was recorded at 20%/day in pine and 6%/day in oak. Durability assessments through DMA and SEM analyses confirmed the suitability of wood as a container material, emphasizing the dual environmental and economic benefits of this WML-MFC design.

Yu Lan Tang, Xiao Wei Bi, Hong Sun et al.

Advanced Materials Research • 2010

Electricity can be generated during the wastewater treatment by microbial fuel cell (MFC). Effect of the anode pretreatment method, anode modification and electronic media in anolyte on electricity generation of a single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) with an air cathode was investigated by performance measurement of the MFC during one cycle of generating electricity. Results show that the discharge time of MFCs with stainless steel anode pretreated by NH4Cl and HCl is longer than that with anode pretreated by the distilled water and NaOH; the performance of MFC with anode pretreated by NH4Cl is the best; comparison with stainless steel anode and adhere activated carbon, the current of MFC with the stainless steel anode adhere the carbon fiber is the maximum and its Coulombic efficiency is the highest; The electricity generation characteristics of the MFC with the anode adhered carbon fiber and pretreated by NH4Cl and the anolyte added the electronic media is the best. The action of the electronic medium and the NH4Cl on the MFC is synergism. It's of great significance that the research results improve the performance of MFC by anode pretreatment.

David U. Johnson, Reginald E. Mitchell, Turgut M. Gür

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2014

Introduction As developing countries consume increasing quantities of fossil fuels to elevate their standard of living, there is growing concern about greenhouse gas emissions, and an increased need for mitigating emissions during power generation. It is clear that in the foreseeable future renewable energy technologies will be unable to eliminate fossil fuel dependence, and hence efforts to reduce the environmental impact of carbon-based fuels are required. Carbon Fuel Cells (CFCs) offer the double benefit of efficient utilization of carbonaceous fuels such as coal or biomass, and the production of a concentrated stream of CO 2 that can be easily stored or sold as a marketable product. Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated solid-oxide based CFC for efficient electricity production from various types of carbons [1-3] . Our CFC utilizes a bed of solid carbon fuel at the anode compartment and air at the cathode compartment, which are separated by a dense yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte (YSZ) for selective transport of oxide ions. Carbon dioxide in the anode compartment reacts with the carbon to produce CO via the Boudouard reaction. C + CO 2 → 2CO (1) As shown in Figure 1, the cell oxidizes CO to generate electricity, producing an outlet stream of CO 2 , part of which can be recycled to the anode and the reminder sent for storage. Modeling the Tubular Carbon Fuel Cell Geometry In this presentation we provide a comprehensive operational model that couples heat transfer with chemical and electrochemical processes as well as mass transport in a tubular carbon fuel cell. In the carbon bed, the Boudouard gasification reaction of the solid carbon fuel is endothermic, while CO oxidation at the anode surface is exothermic. As the kinetics of both reactions is temperature dependent, it is important to understand the coupled relationship between reaction rates, heat release and local temperature. Thus, consideration of heat transfer effects is necessary to develop a realistic understanding of the overall cell operation. The operation of the cell results in an anode exhaust containing largely CO 2 with the remaining balance of unreacted CO. Any CO in the exhaust is carbon fuel still capable of undergoing oxidation to produce electricity at the cell. Thus, fuel utilization improves with increasing CO 2 /CO ratio at the exhaust, and this influences the overall conversion efficiency of the cell. In this work, an operational model for a tubular CFC was developed that takes into account heat transfer and temperature distributions within the cell. The parameters in the model were determined experimentally. The model was then used to map out the operational space for power density and cell efficiency. Furthermore, geometrical parameters such as fuel bed height and tubular placement can be tuned to minimize the mole fraction of CO in the exhaust. The model was implemented for multiple tubular geometries and spacing between tubes in order to determine how these parameters affect overall fuel cell performance. This presentation will address the dependence of cell efficiency and power density on the cell and carbon bed geometries, which will then aid in the optimization of tubular cell design for the air-carbon fuel cell. Optimal operation conditions are identified for maintaining high efficiencies while also achieving realistic power densities. References 1. A. C. Lee, S. Li, R. E. Mitchell, and T. M. Gür. Electrochem. Solid State Lett. 11 (2), B20-B23 (2008). 2. B. R. Alexander, R. E. Mitchell, and T. M. Gür. Proceeding of the Combustion Institute 34 , 3445 (2013). 3. B. R. Alexander, R. E. Mitchell, and T. M. Gür. J. Electrochem. Soc. 159 (3), B347-B354 (2012).

Feng Dong, Peng Zhang, Kexun Li et al.

Nanomaterials • 2016

In this work, Cu2O nanoparticles were deposited on a carbon cloth cathode using a facile electrochemical method. The morphology of the modified cathode, which was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) tests, showed that the porosity and specific surface area of the cathode improved with longer deposition times. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) results showed that cupric oxide and cuprous oxide coexisted on the carbon cloth, which improved the electrochemical activity of cathode. The cathode with a deposition time of 100 s showed the best performance, with a power density twice that of bare carbon cloth. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results revealed that moderate deposition of nano copper oxide on carbon cloth could dramatically reduce the charge transfer resistance, which contributed to the enhanced electrochemical performance. The mediation mechanism of copper oxide nanocatalyst was illustrated by the fact that the recycled conversion between cupric oxide and cuprous oxide accelerated the electron transfer efficiency on the cathode.

Marcelinus Christwardana, Satrio Kuntolaksono, J. Joelianingsih et al.

Jurnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi • 2025

This study aims to explore the potential of calcined eggshells as an economical and effective anode material in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This research examines the enhancement of calcined eggshells as an anode material in MFCs by operating condition optimization using the Response Surface Method (RSM). The experimental findings underscore the substantial influence of temperature and the eggshell/NaOH ratio on voltage and maximum power density (MPD). Raising the calcination temperature from 550°C to 700°C improves both voltage and MPD, with peak performance seen at 700°C. Nonetheless, performance stabilizes above 850°C. The eggshell/NaOH ratio is significant, with enhancements seen at an optimum ratio of 4. ANOVA analysis indicates that the model accounts for 79.89% of the variability in voltage and 82.74% in MPD, while the modified R-squared values imply possible overfitting. Optimal calcination parameters (704.55°C and a ratio of 2.52) improve the microstructural characteristics of calcined eggshells and crystallinity, which are essential for electron transport and bacterial adhesion. SEM study indicates a morphological transition to a rough, porous structure, whilst XRD and FTIR investigations validate the conversion from calcium carbonate to calcium hydroxide, enhancing electrochemical characteristics. This study highlights the promise of optimized calcined eggshells as economical and effective materials for microbial fuel cells, advancing sustainable energy and materials science.

Mohammad Kazemi Nasrabadi, Amir Ebrahimi-Moghadam, Mohammad Hosein Ahmadi et al.

Preprints.org • 2019

Due to low working temperature, high energy density and low pollution, proton exchange fuel cells have been investigated under different operating conditions in different applications. Using platinum catalysts in methanol fuel cells leads to increasing the cost of this kind of fuel cell which is considered as a barrier to the commercialism of this technology. For this reason, a lot of efforts have been made to reduce the loading of the catalyst required on different supports. In this study, carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been used as catalyst supports of the fuel cell as well as using the double-metal combination of platinum-ruthenium (PtRu) as anode electrode catalyst and platinum (Pt) as cathode electrode catalyst. The performance of these two types of electro-catalyst in the oxidation reaction of methanol has been compared based on electrochemical tests. Results showed that the carbon nanotubes increase the performance of the micro-fuel cell by 37% at maximum power density, compared to the carbon black. Based on thee-electrode tests of chronoamperometry and voltammetry, it was found that the oxidation onset potential of methanol for CNT has been around 20% less than CB, leading to the kinetic improvement of the oxidation reaction. The current density of methanol oxidation reaction increased up to 62% in CNT sample compared to CB supported one, therefore the active electrochemical surface area of the catalyst has been increased up to 90% by using CNT compared to CB which shows the significant rise of the electrocatalytic activity in CNT supported catalyst. Moreover, the resistance of the CNT supported sample to poisonous intermediate species has been found 3% more than CB supported one. According to the chronoamperometry test results, it was concluded that the performance and sustainability of the CNT electro-catalyst show remarkable improvement compared to CB electro-catalyst in the long term.

T. Fu, S. Zhang, J. Huang et al.

Fuel Cells • 2019

Abstract Ag‐Pt alloy material is one of the most potential candidates to improve the catalytic activity of Pt‐based catalyst toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which can reduce the dosage of the high‐cost metal Pt used in the cathode of fuel cells. But it is hard to synthesis Ag‐Pt alloy with nanosize in an easy and cheap way. In this study, the Ag‐Pt alloy nanoparticles supported on carbon (Ag‐Pt/C) with different Ag at.% were prepared by a facile one‐pot approach with low costs. The XRD, TEM and XPS measurements were applied to verify the alloy structure of Ag‐Pt nanoparticles. These Ag‐Pt/C samples showed enhanced mass activities and catalytic stabilities for the ORR, which was up to two times higher than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst at 0.9 V ( vs. reversible hydrogen electrode). Furthermore, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) made from the Ag‐Pt/C catalyst also showed a higher power density in H 2 ‐O 2 fuel cell test compared to the MEA made from the commercial Pt catalyst. These enhancements are attributed to the higher utilization of Pt and the regulated oxygen adsorption energy of Pt in the surface, which was confirmed using the density function theory calculation.

Charly Lemoine, Lionel Dubois, Teko W. Napporn et al.

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2019

Glucose is a promising fuel for new implantable electrochemical power sources due to its abundance in the human body. The selective oxidation of this sugar to gluconic acid requires an active and efficient catalyst surface. Platinum is the reference catalyst, but displays a fast deactivation due to the poisoning effect of strongly chemisorbed intermediates during glucose electro-oxidation 1 . On the other hand, gold is well known for its exceptional electrochemical activity and selectivity on aldehydes and hemiacetals conversion in a large pH window 2 . Combining these two metals as unique electrocatalyst for glucose oxidation, becomes a way to overcome poisoning issue. Furthermore, the nature of the support also plays an important role in the enhancement of the catalyst activity and stability. Recently, researches on graphene-like materials have shown the benefit of their utilization as support for electrocatalysts 3 . In the present work, gold and platinum monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles have been synthesized on different carbon supports: amorphous carbon Vulcan XC 72R and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations show that i) Bromide Anion Exchange (BAE) synthesis method provides good anchorage and dispersion of the nanoparticles (particle mean size < 10 nm) on supports, ii) glucose electro-oxidation on gold monometallic catalysts starts at 0.3 V/RHE in alkaline media and before 0.1 V/RHE for platinum monometallic and bimetallic catalysts, iii) rGO supported platinum, and gold-platinum alloys ( Au 70 Pt 30 and Au 50 Pt 50 ) exhibit higher power density than the corresponding nanocatalysts supported on Vulcan when used as anode in an alkaline glucose/oxygen fuel cell (Figure 1). The electrochemical study in near-biological conditions confirms and even accentuates the differences between the supports in terms of efficiency, stability and compatibility. The chromatographic and mass spectrometry analyses of the reactions products from the operation of this direct glucose fuel cell in alkaline medium demonstrate the presence of gluconate as a major product. Moreover, glucuronate considered as a high value added compound, has been clearly identified. References Kerzenmacher, S.; Ducree, J.; Zengerle, R.; von Stetten, F., An abiotically catalyzed glucose fuel cell for powering medical implants: Reconstructed manufacturing protocol and analysis of performance. Journal of Power Sources 2008, 182 (1), 66-75. Pasta, M.; La Mantia, F.; Cui, Y., Mechanism of glucose electrochemical oxidation on gold surface. Electrochim. Acta 2010, 55 (20), 5561-5568. Yadav, R.; Subhash, A.; Chemmenchery, N.; Kandasubramanian, B., Graphene and Graphene Oxide for Fuel Cell Technology. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2018 . Figure 1: Polarization and power density curves of different nanocatalysts used as anode in a glucose/oxygen fuel cell recorded in 0.1 mol L -1 KOH + 50 mmol L -1 glucose. All catalysts have a metal loading of 20 wt. % on carbon substrates. Pt/Vulcan is used as cathode catalyst. Figure 1

Federico Iester, Luca Mantelli, Michele Bozzolo et al.

Volume 5: Cycle Innovations • 2023

Abstract This paper presents an innovative turbocharged proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system (TC-PEMFC) fuelled by hydrogen. Their high efficiency and absence of pollutant emissions allowed interest in hydrogen-powered PEMFCs to grow constantly over the past few decades. Nowadays, both industry and academia consider PEMFCs as one of the most promising solutions to replace conventional fossil fuel plants and achieve decarbonization of the energy and transportation sectors. The system proposed in this study further improves the performance of standalone PEMFCs (generally within the 60–40% range), using the pressurization of the fuel cells. Two separate stacks are operated in parallel and integrated with a turbocharger, which pressurizes the cathode air flows. Before being discharged into the ambient, the PEMFC outlet flow expands in the turbine, providing part of the mechanical power absorbed by the compressor and increasing the net power output of the plant. The remaining part is supplied by an electrical motor connected to the shaft of the turbocharger. To guarantee the proper operation of the PEMFCs in terms of mass flows, pressures, temperatures, chemical compositions and humidity, the layout incorporates many auxiliary components. They include a polymeric membrane cross-flow humidifier on the cathode side, a gas-to-gas heat exchanger on the air loop, a side channel blower on the anode recirculation and a liquid cooling system for the stacks. A dedicated control system was designed to keep all the operative parameters of the plant on the proper values. A proportional-integral-derivative controller and a set of look-up tables regulate the opening of fuel and bypass valves, as well as the rotational speed of turbocharger, cooling fluid pump and blower. To fully understand the potential of this innovative solution, Rolls-Royce Solutions and Thermochemical Power Group (University of Genoa) developed a simulation model using GT-Power, a commercial software by Gamma Technologies Inc. The complete layout of the system was recreated within GT-Power relying on its extensive library of components. This is the first time a turbocharged PEMFC system was modelized including all the main balance of plant components and implementing the full control logics. The model was used to simulate the TC-PEMFC system under different conditions, to monitor its operative parameters, and to compare its performance with a standalone PEMFC. The promising results obtained during this analysis confirm the potential of the turbocharged layout and open the way for even more sophisticated simulation studies and experimental activities.

Mahmut KAPLAN

Journal of Energy Systems • 2021

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has acquired increasing importance because of operating at higher efficiency and producing environmentally friendly power at low temperatures over the past decade. Flow channel as a vital part of PEMFC plays a critical role for augmenting the performance of PEMFC. In this paper, a single phase, 3-D model is generated to examine impact of the channel cross-section geometry on the cell performance. 15 different simulation cases were gained by altering the flow channel width and depth from 0.2 to 1.6 mm for the fixed depth and width of 1 mm, respectively. In the base case, the channel dimensions are 1.0 mm width and depth. The results revealed that decreasing depth and width of the channel enhanced the current density thanks to increasing gas velocity in the flow channels of the anode and cathode at the expense of increased pressure drop. The cases having the channel cross-sectional dimensions of 0.2 x 0.1 mm and 0.1 x 0.2 mm (channel width x depth) enhanced the current density about 57% and 45% at 0.4 V compared to the base case. Besides, oxygen consumption and water production in the cathode side are also remarkably increased in these cases. However, the channel cross-sectional size of 0.8 x 1 mm case which increases the current density 2.5% at 0.4 V in comparison with the base case can be best option by taking into consideration pressure drop into the flow channels.

Oluwaseun Adelaja, Tajalli Keshavarz, Godfrey Kyazze

Engineering in Life Sciences • 2014

Environmental pollution by petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated groundwater and soils is a serious threat to human health. Microbial fuel cells ( MFC s) could be employed in the treatment of these recalcitrant pollutants with concomitant bioelectricity generation. In this study, the use of MFC s in biodegradation of phenanthrene, a model hydrocarbon, was investigated with respect to its biodegradation rate, biodegradation efficiency, and power production using a range of inocula ( Shewanella oneidensis MR 1 14063, P seudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 10662, mixed cultures, and combinations thereof). All the inocula showed high potentials for phenanthrene degradation with a minimum degradation efficiency of 97%. The best overall performing inoculum was anaerobically digested sludge supplemented with P . aeruginosa NCTC 10662, having a degradation rate, maximum power density and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 27.30 μM/d, 1.25 mW/m 2 and 65.6%, respectively. Adsorption of phenanthrene on the carbon anode was also investigated; it conformed to a Type II adsorption isotherm and could be modelled using a modified Brunauer, Emmett and Teller model with a maximum monolayer capacity of 0.088 mg/cm 2 . This work highlights the possibility of using MFC s to achieve high degradation rates of phenanthrene through co‐metabolism and could potentially be used as a replacement of permeable reactive barriers for remediation of hydrocarbon‐contaminated groundwater.

V Sawasdee

IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science • 2020

Abstract Bio-electrochemical technology in form of single chamber microbial fuel cell was used to simultaneous reduce organic pollutants and electricity generation under anoxic condition. Reactor was fixed working volume 1liters. Single chamber microbial fuel cell was started with open circuit that inoculates to biofilm on anode chamber and microorganisms can be adjusted to single chamber microbial fuel cell condition. Close circuit was started with 1,000 ω. Initial COD was converted to 5,109 mg L −1 that obtained current density per area 154 mA m −2 , maximum power density per area 152 mW m −2 and COD removal efficiency was 70%, respectively. Moreover, the economic feasibility was evaluated in term of net present value (NPV) was 1,746.20, payback period (PBP) was obtained 1 year 4 months, respectively. Therefore, single chamber microbial fuel cell is technology that suitable for simultaneous reduce organic pollutants and electricity generation.

Lei Xu, Yaqian Zhao, Tongyue Wang et al.

Water Science and Technology • 2017

To improve the sustainability of constructed wetlands (CWs), a novel tiered wetland system integrated with a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was developed in this study. Compared to the single stage CW, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was improved from 83.2% to 88.7%. More significantly, this tiered system significantly enhanced total nitrogen removal efficiency (an increase from 53.1% to 75.4%). In terms of MFC integration, a gradually decreased performance in electricity production was observed during its 3 months of operation (the voltage dropped from nearly 600 mV to less than 300 mV), which resulted in a reduction of power density from around 2 W/m3 to less than 0.5 W/m3. The deterioration in performance of the air-cathode is the main reason behind this, since the electrode potential of the cathode under open circuit reduced from 348.5 mV to 49.5 mV while the anode potential kept constant at around −400 mV. However, in spite of its electrical performance reduction, it was proved that MFC integration enhanced COD removal and the nitrification process. Further work is needed to improve the stability and feasibility of this new system.

C. E. REIMERS, P. GIRGUIS, H. A. STECHER et al.

Geobiology • 2006

ABSTRACT Benthic microbial fuel cells are devices that generate modest levels of electrical power in seafloor environments by a mechanism analogous to the coupled biogeochemical reactions that transfer electrons from organic carbon through redox intermediates to oxygen. Two benthic microbial fuel cells were deployed at a deep‐ocean cold seep within Monterey Canyon, California, and were monitored for 125 days. Their anodes consisted of single graphite rods that were placed within microbial mat patches of the seep, while the cathodes consisted of carbon‐fibre/titanium wire brushes attached to graphite plates suspended ∼0.5 m above the sediment. Power records demonstrated a maximal sustained power density of 34 mW·m −2 of anode surface area, equating to 1100 mW m −2 of seafloor. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of microbial biofilms that formed on the electrode surfaces revealed changes in microbial community composition along the anode as a function of sediment depth and surrounding geochemistry. Near the sediment surface (20–29 cm depth), the anodic biofilm was dominated by micro‐organisms closely related to Desulfuromonas acetoxidans . At horizons 46–55 and 70–76 cm below the sediment–water interface, clone libraries showed more diverse populations, with increasing representation of δ‐proteobacteria such as Desulfocapsa and Syntrophus , as well as ɛ‐proteobacteria. Genes from phylotypes related to Pseudomonas dominated the cathode clone library. These results confound ascribing a single electron transport role performed by only a few members of the microbial community to explain energy harvesting from marine sediments. In addition, the microbial fuel cells exhibited slowly decreasing current attributable to a combination of anode passivation and sulfide mass transport limitation. Electron micrographs of fuel cell anodes and laboratory experiments confirmed that sulfide oxidation products can build up on anode surfaces and impede electron transfer. Thus, while cold seeps have the potential to provide more power than neighbouring ocean sediments, the limits of mass transport as well as the proclivity for passivation must be considered when developing new benthic microbial fuel cell designs to meet specific power requirements.

Renny Novita Asri Sejati, Rasyidah Rasyidah, Rizki Amelia Nasution

BIO-CONS : Jurnal Biologi dan Konservasi • 2024

Teknologi baru yang sedang banyak dikembangkan sebagai penyediaan sumber listrik alternatif salah satunya yaitu Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). Penelitian ini menggunakan substrat dari limbah cair tempe dan bakteri Lactobacillus acidophilus. Desain sistem MFC yang digunakan yaitu dual-chamber dengan masing-masing reaktor memilki volume 500 ml. Penelitian yang dilakukan pada sistem MFC yaitu limbah cair tempe murni dan limbah cair tempe dengan penambahan bakteri Lactobacillus acidophilus, dengan waktu inkubasi 9 hari. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui potensi bakteri Lactobacillus acidophilus dalam meningkatkan energi listrik yang dihasilkan menggunakan sistem MFC dan untuk mengetahui waktu (hari) optimum yang dapat menghasilkan energi listrik yang tinggi. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini ialah eksperimental, yaitu dilakukannya dua eksperimen pada substrat limbah cair tempe pada sistem MFC. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa adanya perubahan kuat arus dan tegangan yang dihasilkan dari masing-masing ekperimen substrat. Potensi energi listrik yang lebih baik dihasilkan dari substrat limbah cair tempe dengan penambahan bakteri Lactobacillus acidophilus. Kesimpulan dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan bakteri Lactobacillus acidophilus berpotensi dalam meningkatkan energi listrik. Waktu (hari) optimum yang menghasilkan energi listrik pada penggunaan limbah cair tempe murni yaitu pada hari ke-3 dengan besar tegangan listrik 2,21 mV, arus listrik 1,42 mA dan power density 4,92 mW/m2. Pada limbah cair tempe dengan penambahan Lactobacillus acidophilus menghasilkan energi listrik yang tinggi pada hari ke-3 . Pada hari ke-3 dihasilkan tegangan listrik sebesar 2,53 mV, arus listrik 1,69 mA dan power density 6,71 mW/m2.

Kristopher Ray S. Pamintuan, Ivan Harold P. Bagumba, Zairus Dref G. Domingo

Journal of Physics: Conference Series • 2019

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology in bioelectricity production. Water systems may be utilized in producing electricity by bio-electrochemical catalytic activity of its inherent microbial culture while simultaneously treating wastewater. Current studies are focusing on design and material optimization for future up-scaling application. For large-scale application, optimization studies such as compartmentalization and stacking become important. In this study, a membrane-less microbial fuel cell is designed and optimized in terms of optimum electrode distances and optimum surface area ratios. It was found that the specific design yielded a maximum of 25.81 mV at the optimum distance wherein dissolved oxygen is sufficiently low enough in this level. Through the optimization of electrode distance was also found that the MFC designed is anode-limited with a 1:4 ratio of anode to cathode is required to produce its maximum power density output. Multiple electrodes study proves the MFC setup is stackable even without membrane separation. This paper reports the first known attempt to quantify an optimum surface area to volume ratio at 2.34 m 2 /m 3 .

M. M. Taghiabadi, M. Zhiani, M. Shafiei

Fuel Cells • 2018

Abstract The cathode catalyst layer void volume of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) determines the available three‐phase regions and routes of mass transfer in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In this paper, four MEAs with different void volume of cathode catalyst layer have been made and their performance was evaluated and analyzed. The results show that for the MEA with cathode catalyst layer porosity of 20.8%, an optimal structure and a proper balance between catalyst layer void volume and Nafion content is obtained. The optimal void volume caused that electrochemical surface area for the MEA with the optimal structure be 1.45 times higher than MEA having a porosity of 29.5% at the end of the long‐term cycles. On the other hand, the mass transfer resistance ( R mt ) at the end of long‐term cycles for MEA with the optimal structure is 4.8 times less than the same MEA having a porosity of 15.9%. This fact makes that MEA with the cathode catalyst layer porosity of 20.8%, both in short and in the long‐term, has higher and more stable performance than other MEAs; so that its maximum output power density has changed only 0.8% during 200 cycles.

Lukasz Szydlowski, Jiri Ehlich, Pawel Szczerbiak et al.

Frontiers in Microbiology • 2022

In this study, electrogenic microbial communities originating from a single source were multiplied using our custom-made, 96-well-plate-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) array. Developed communities operated under different pH conditions and produced currents up to 19.4 A/m3 (0.6 A/m2) within 2 days of inoculation. Microscopic observations [combined scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)] revealed that some species present in the anodic biofilm adsorbed copper on their surface because of the bioleaching of the printed circuit board (PCB), yielding Cu2 + ions up to 600 mg/L. Beta- diversity indicates taxonomic divergence among all communities, but functional clustering is based on reactor pH. Annotated metagenomes showed the high presence of multicopper oxidases and Cu-resistance genes, as well as genes encoding aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading enzymes, corresponding to PCB bioleaching. Metagenome analysis revealed a high abundance of Dietzia spp., previously characterized in MFCs, which did not grow at pH 4. Binning metagenomes allowed us to identify novel species, one belonging to Actinotalea , not yet associated with electrogenicity and enriched only in the pH 7 anode. Furthermore, we identified 854 unique protein-coding genes in Actinotalea that lacked sequence homology with other metagenomes. The function of some genes was predicted with high accuracy through deep functional residue identification (DeepFRI), with several of these genes potentially related to electrogenic capacity. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using MFC arrays for the enrichment of functional electrogenic microbial consortia and data mining for the comparative analysis of either consortia or their members.

Marzie Razavi, Daryoush Yousefi Kebria, Atieh Ebrahimi

Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy • 2020

Abstract The combination of microbial fuel cell with electrokinetic processes, known as Microbial Electrokinetic Cell (MEKC), is an innovative and sustainable process for simultaneous sediment remediation and renewable energy production. This study made a major contribution to research on MEKC by demonstrating the maximum energy extraction and chromium removal using three types of the anode electrode, comprising plate graphite (PG), scratched plate graphite (SPG), and the combination of SPG with granular activated carbon (SPG‐GAC) used as bioanode. The results indicated that power generation changed noticeably based on the anolyte type and electrode configuration. The application of the SPG‐GAC electrode resulted in the maximum power densities of 10 ± 0.02 and 5.12 ± 0.04 W/m 3 in MEKCs fed by actual and synthetic wastewater, respectively. However, feeding MEKC with synthetic wastewater instead of the actual one caused a slight reduction in chromium removal from 72.64 to 69.50% in anode and from 53.70 to 49.44% in cathode chamber. According to the obtained results, the SPG‐GAC can be suggested to improve MEKC power generation by increasing bacterial adhesion and enhancing the extracellular electron transfer using the granular activated carbon. Furthermore, the results provided a proof‐of‐concept that MEKC has a high potential to be used for efficient sediment remediation and to promote environmental health.

Tabbi Wilberforce, Mohammad Biswas, Abdelnasir Omran

Energies • 2022

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a more environmentally friendly alternative to deliver electric power in various applications, including in the transportation industry. As PEMFC performance characteristics are inherently nonlinear and involved, the prediction of the performance in a given application for different operating conditions is important in order to optimize the efficiency of the system. Thus, modelling using artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict its performance can significantly improve the capabilities of handling the multi-variable nonlinear performance of the PEMFC. However, further investigation is needed to develop a dynamic model using ANNs to predict the transient behavior of a PEMFC. This paper predicts the dynamic electrical and thermal performance of a PEMFC stack under various operating conditions. The input variables of the PEMFC stack for the analysis consist of the cathode inlet temperature, anode inlet pressure, anode and cathode inlet flow rates, and stack current. The performances of the ANN models using three different learning algorithms are determined based on the stack voltage and temperature, which have been shown to be consistently predicted by most of these models. Almost all models with varying hidden neurons have coefficients of determination of 0.9 or higher and mean squared errors of less than 5. Thus, the results show promise for dynamic modelling approaches using ANNs for the development of optimal operation of a PEMFC in various system applications.

Afaf Abdel Razik Mohamed, Ali El-Dissouky Ali, Mohamed Salah El-Din Hassouna et al.

Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery • 2023

Abstract A dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was fabricated and optimized for electricity generation. Titanium wire, graphite rod, and carbon cloth supported on stainless steel mesh were the best current collector, anode, and cathode electrode materials, respectively. To enhance the efficacy of the system, carbon-based materials in nano-scale (nanocarbonized materials) were prepared from pomegranate peel waste at different hydrothermal temperatures (300, 500, and 700 o C), and were used as anode coating material. The synthesized coating materials were characterized using EDX, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, fluorescence, UV, and XPS analyses. Data showed that nanocarbonized material prepared at 500 o C exhibited high surface area (682 m 2 /g), high pore size (122 nm), and indicated the presence of graphene oxide (GO) structure. The electrochemical behavior of MFC was monitored by cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements. Results revealed that the anode coated with GO provided high MFC performance with a maximum voltage of around 1000 mV, and a maximum current of 0.1 mA, corresponding to a maximum power density of 12.46 W/m 2 , which is 2.85-fold higher than that of a cell with a free graphite plate as an anode. Furthermore, the large charge transfer resistance and the low diffusive resistance observed upon coating the anode demonstrated the anode is functioning as a capacitor. The reported results proposed graphene oxide prepared from pomegranate peels as a novel coating anode material prepared from waste sustaining the idea of green curricular economy

Beyza Nur YAVUZ, Hüseyin KAHRAMAN

International Journal of Automotive Science and Technology • 2023

Due to factors including low emission values, great energy efficiency, and reduced environmental contamination, fuel cells have gained popularity recently. Fuel cells using polymer electrolyte membranes can distribute reactant gases through gas flow channels and remove water that forms during the reaction from the fuel cell. This study looked at how different channel sizes and channel cross-section geometries (rectangular, triangular, and semicircular) affected the distribution of current density, oxygen concentration, velocity, and temperature parameters on the cathode catalyst in the flow channels of a single-channel PEM fuel cell at 0.75 V cell voltage. The model with the highest current density and consequently the best fuel cell performance was determined to be 9 x 10-5 A/cm2 in a channel with a height and breadth of 0.1 cm and A = 1 cm2, according to the data obtained. The flow channel length was assessed at 0.2 in the analysis results for all models because it did not alter with the oxygen concentration distribution. In varied channel designs with the same area, it has been found that the velocity distribution varies inversely with the current density. The maximum velocity value recorded at this location was 33.1 m/s in a semicircular canal with a R of 0.34 mm. It has been discovered that fuel cells from more places operate better as a result.

Hamzah Abdalameer Lafta, Mahmood K. H. AL-Mashhadani

Iraqi Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering • 2019

The electrode in the microbial fuel cell has a significant effect on cell performance. The treatment of the electrode is a crucial step to make the electrode surface more habitable for bacteria growth, thus, increases the power production as well as waste treatment. In the current study, two graphite electrodes were treated by a microwave. The first electrode was treated with 100W microwave energy, while the second one was treated with 600W microwave energy. There is a significant enhancement in the surface of the graphite anode after the pretreatment process. The results show an increase in the power density from 10 mW/m2 to 15 mW/m2 with 100w treatment and to 13.47 mW/m2 with 600w treatment. An organic sensor was obtained for the same waste material used, where the sensitivity was weak, ranging from 100 mg/L for organic matter to 150 g /L. The sensor was used once again for each substance with better results. The sensitivity ranged from 25 g/L per liter to 150 g/L, while successful linearity has been gain. Therefore, it can conclude that the microbial fuel cell with dual chamber can be designed for a biosensor with the available and cost-effective material.

Xiaoou Wang, Yimei Tian

Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination • 2021

Abstract This study investigated the seasonal variations of pollutants removal and microbial activity in constructed wetland–microbial fuel cell systems (CW–MFCs). The results showed that the atmospheric temperature significantly influenced the bioelectricity generation and removal of organics and nitrogen in CW–MFCs by primarily influencing the microbial enzymatic activity. The electricity output of CW-MFCs was extremely low below 5 °C, and reached the maximum above 25 °C. The organics and nitrogen removal of closed-circuit CW–MFC reached the highest in summer and autumn, followed by spring, and decreased by an average of 10.5% COD, 14.2% NH3-N and 10.7% TN in winter, demonstrating smaller seasonal fluctuations compared to open-circuit CW–MFC in which the difference between summer and winter was 13.4% COD, 15.1% NH3-N and 15.1% TN. Even at low temperatures, the MFC current could enhance the enzymatic activity and stabilize the growth of microorganisms on the electrodes, moreover, the closed circuit operation can promote the bacteria diversity on CW–MFC anodes as well as the abundance of electrogens on CW–MFC anodes and cathodes, and thus reduce the adverse effect of cooling on organics and nitrogen removal in CWs. However, neither MFC nor temperature had a significant influence on phosphorus removal in CW–MFCs.

Jingbo Liu, Yuan Yuan, Sajid Bashir

Energies • 2013

The focus of this research lies on fundamental research to provide guidelines for the design of new nanocatalyst toward improvement of the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To achieve this overarching goal, several specific steps were taken with aims to: (1) provide guidelines for the design of new catalysts; (2) promote nanocatalyst applications towards alternative energy applications; and (3) integrate advanced instrumentation into nanocharacterization and fuel cell (FC) electrochemical behavior. In tandem with these goals, the cathode catalysts were extensively refined to improve the performance of PEMFCs and minimize noble metal usage. In this study, the major accomplishment was producing aligned carbon nanotubes (ACNTs), which were then modified by platinum (Pt) nanoparticles via a post-functionalization colloidal chemistry approach. The Pt-ACNTs demonstrated improved cathodic catalycity, by building better device endurance and decreased Pt loading. It was also determined that surface mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus and hardness were increased. Collectively, these enhancements provided an improved FC device. The electrochemical analyses indicated that the power density of the PEMFCs was increased to 900 mW/cm2 and current density to 3000 mA/cm2, respectively. The Pt loading was controlled at lower than 0.2 mg/cm2 to decrease the manufacturing expenses.

Arash Khosravi

Mapta Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MJMIE) • 2017

Due to increasing energy crisis and environmental problems because of air pollution, fuel cell hybrid vehicles are considered as an alternative for internal combustion (IC) vehicles. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are the most proper kind of fuel cells for portable usage due to high power density and low performance temperature. In this paper, power train system of a real car, SAMAND SOREN, is modeled and simulated using a dynamic model in MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Five important subsystems in the model are: cathode air supply system, anode fuel supply system, electric motor, battery, and power transmission system. Finally, parameters like power and voltage produced by fuel cell, electric motor torque and vehicle speed are demonstrated as results.

Laura Mais, Michele Mascia, Annalisa Vacca

Energies • 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are considered promising energy sources whereby chemical energy is converted into electricity via bioelectrochemical reactions utilizing microorganisms. Several factors affect MFC performance, including cathodic reduction of oxygen, electrode materials, cell internal and external resistances, and cell design. This work describes the effect of the catalyst coating in the air-cathode membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a microbial fuel cell (MFC) prepared via electrodeposition of manganese oxide. The characterization of the synthesized air-cathode MFC, operating in a continuous mode, was made via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses for the determination of the intrinsic properties of the electrode that are crucial for scalability purposes. EIS analysis of the MFCs and of the MEA reveals that the anode and cathode contribute to polarization resistance by about 85% and 15%, respectively, confirming the high catalytic activity of the Mn-based air cathode. The maximum power density of the Mn-based cathode is about 20% higher than that recorded using a Pt/C electrode.

Xiaohua Wang, Rajesh Ahluwalia

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2020

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems for heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) are attracting attention for several reasons including tighter emission regulations and, compared with light duty vehicles (LDVs), possibility of a gradual build-up of hydrogen infrastructure during the market introduction phase, and higher allowable cost (60 $/kW e vs. 30 $/kW e ) and Pt loadings. 1 However, competing with the incumbent diesel technology requires longer stack lifetimes than for LDVs (30,000 h vs. 8,000 h) and higher efficiencies to compensate for the likely price differential between diesel and hydrogen. 2 Heat rejection in fuel cells for HDVs can also be an issue. We conducted simulations to compare radiator heat loads in two propulsion systems for a Class-8 HDV: a 450-hp turbocharged diesel engine, and a hybrid 275-kWe FCS with a 35-kWh battery. The simulations showed that the radiator heat load at rated power is higher for the hybrid propulsion system even though it is 20% more efficient than the diesel engine. Higher heat load combined with lower operating temperature makes heat rejection in an HDV radiator more challenging for the hybrid powertrain. We conducted system analysis to determine the stack operating conditions (cell voltage and temperature) and the radiator fan power required to reject the waste heat in the HDV radiator at rated power. Figure 1 summarizes the important results of the analysis of an FCS with a compressor-expander module (CEM) for air management, 2.5-atm stack inlet pressure, no cathode humidifier, de-alloyed PtCo cathode catalyst supported on a high surface-area carbon, and 0.25 mg/cm 2 total Pt loading. 3, 4 Figures 1a and 1b show that the heat load and radiator fan power are strong functions of the cell voltage and stack coolant temperature. These indicate a heat transfer limit that sets the minimum coolant temperature which only depends on the cell voltage. For example, at 0.7 V cell voltage, the minimum coolant temperature is 88 o C corresponding to 265 kW radiator heat load and 30 kW e fan power. The cell voltage needs to be higher than 0.75 V for stacks that operate below 80 o C. Figures 1c and 1d present the net stack power (stack power minus the parasitics including radiator fan power) density and system efficiency (net power produced divided by the lower heating value of H 2 consumed) as functions of cell voltage and coolant temperature. Increasing the cell voltage at fixed coolant temperature improves the system efficiency at the expense of lower power density. For a fixed cell voltage, there is an optimum temperature at which the net power density is highest. The net power density is smaller below the optimum temperature because of higher fan power, and above it because of the adverse effects of low relative humidity on Ohmic losses and ORR kinetics. As a reference point, the stack can reach 1200 mW/cm 2 gross and 1015 mW/cm 2 net stack power density for 0.7 V cell voltage at rated power and 88 o C optimum coolant temperature. The projected power density and operating conditions are based on a model formulated using the experimental data for d-PtCo/C cathode catalysts with 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15 mg/cm 2 Pt loading. Further work is required to confirm these projections by building and optimizing electrodes with 0.2 mg/cm 2 Pt loading. References Marcinkoski, R. Vijayagopal, J Adams, B. James, J. Kopsz, and R. Ahluwalia, DOE Advance Truck Technologies https://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/19006_hydrogen_class8_long_haul_truck_targets.pdf L. Borup, A. Kusoglu, K. C. Neyerlin, R. Mukundan1, R. K. Ahluwalia, D. A. Cullen, K. L. More, A. Z. Weber, and D. J. Myers, “Recent Developments in Catalyst-related PEM Fuel Cell Durability,” Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 21, 192–200 (2020) Ahluwalia, X. Wang and J-K Peng. "Fuel Cell System Modeling and Analysis," 2019 DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting, Arlington, VA, April 29 - May 1, 2019. K. Ahluwalia, X. Wang, and A.J. Steinbach, “Performance of Advanced Automotive Fuel Cell Systems with Heat Rejection Constraint,” Journal of Power Sources, 309 (2016), 178-191. Figure 1

Dengming Yan, Xinshan Song, Baisha Weng et al.

Water Science and Technology • 2018

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the different performance of bioelectricity generation and wastewater treatment between constructed wetland (CW) respectively coupled with air-cathode microbial fuel cell (ACMFC) and microbial fuel cell (MFC) under a fed-batch mode. During a 75-day-operation, the voltage of CW-ACMFC and CW-MFC ranged from 0.36 to 0.52 V and from −0.04 to 0.07 V, indicating that the bioenergy output of CW-ACMFC was significantly higher than that of CW-MFC system. In addition, the maximum of power density of CW-ACMFC and CW-MFC was 4.21 and 0.005 mW m−2. Notably, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH3-N removal efficiency of CW-ACMFC was slightly higher than that in CW-MFC, which resulted from a higher voltage accelerating the transport of electron donors and the growth of microorganisms and plants. This study possesses a probability of using ACMFC coupled with CW to enhance the pollutant removal performance in CW system.