Discover insights from thousands of peer-reviewed papers on microbial electrochemical systems
Matilda Kpeli, Michael K. E. Donkor, Reuben Tamakloe
MOMENTO · 2023
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technologies are making headway in developing and expanding renewable energy through the conversion of organic matter to electricity. Various substrates can be used in the MFCs technology to enable energy generation, either pure substances or complex mixtures of organic materials. This study aims to consider the feasibility of raw honey as a fuel for mediator-less double-chamber MFC. The cell voltage was monitored in mediator-less double-chamber H2O2 cathode microbial fuel cell. The Mfensi clay partition and the raw honey were analyzed using FTIR-ATR. The results show the highest open-circuit voltage of 1414 mV with a maximum current density of 0.6540 A/m2 and a maximum power density of 247.0 W/m2. These results demonstrate that raw honey can be used for power generation in MFCs and for practical applications.
Evelyn, Edy Saputra, Amun Amri et al.
MATEC Web of Conferences · 2018
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an emerging energy production technology which converts the chemical energy stored in biologically degradable compounds to electricity at high efficiency. MFC with added mediator can enhance the electron transfer from the microbes to the anode, and used to treat industrial waste gases. In this work, the rate of microbial-reduced mediator reaction at the surface of glassy carbon (GC) electrode in an ethanol-fed MFC was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and compared with linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The CV method provided a better estimation of the kinetic parameters than the LSV method due to low concentrations of the mediators used (0.2-1.0 mM), affecting the Tafel behaviours. All of the voltammograms indicated a quasi-reversible process for the anode reaction. The highest exchange current density (i o ) of 0.14±0.01 mA/cm 2 and the highest power output of 0.008 mW/cm 2 were obtained using 0.2 mM N′,N′,N′,N′-TMPD as the mediator. The MFC power density of 0.03 mW/cm 2 was achieved for 1 mM N-TMPD. Further increase in the power density (0.16 mW/cm 2 ) was possible with carbon cloth electrode. The results of this study confirmed the advantage of a mediator for gaseous pollutant treatment and electricity production in a MFC.
Yuichiro Tabuchi, Norio Kubo
ASME 2008 6th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology · 2007
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are regarded as a promising alternative clean power source for automotive applications. Key to the acceptance of PEMFCs for automobiles are cost reduction and power density for compactness. In order to meet these requirements, further improvement of cell performance is required. In particular, under higher current density operation, water and heat transport in PEMFC have strong effects on cell performance. In this study, the impact of Rib/Channel dimensions, heat and water transport on cell performance under high current density is investigated using the multiphase mixture model (M2 model), and the limiting current density is evaluated using a uniform test cell with 10cm2 active area and 24 straight channels. Limiting current densities were measured under different oxygen concentrations at 70°C and 70% relative humidity at both sides. In order to neglect the effect of liquid water in channels and the distribution of oxygen and hydrogen concentrations along the flow channel, large flow rates were introduced at both sides. Experimental results show a nonlinear relation between oxygen concentration in the channel and limiting current density. Numerically it is found that this nonlinear trend is caused by liquid water in the Rib region. In addition, it is also found that not only liquid water, but also heat transport and water transport through the membrane significantly affect the limiting current density. Finally, it is concluded that the combination analysis using limiting current experiments of uniform cell system and M2 model is very useful for fundamental understanding and for fuel cell design optimization.
Lei Xu, Yaqian Zhao, Liam Doherty et al.
Scientific Reports · 2016
Abstract MFC centered hybrid technologies have attracted attention during the last few years due to their compatibility and dual advantages of energy recovery and wastewater treatment. In this study, a MFC was integrated into a dewatered alum sludge (DAS)- based vertical upflow constructed wetland (CW). Powder activate carbon (PAC) was used in the anode area in varied percentage with DAS to explore its influences on the performance of the CW-MFC system. The trial has demonstrated that the inclusion of PAC improved the removal efficiencies of COD, TN and RP. More significantly, increasing the proportion of PAC from 2% to 10% can significantly enhance the maximum power densities from 36.58 mW/m 2 to 87.79 mW/m 2 . The induced favorable environment for bio-cathode formation might be the main reason for this improvement since the content of total extracellular polymeric substances (TEPS) of the substrate in the cathode area almost doubled (from 44.59 μg/g wet sludge to 87.70 μg/g wet sludge) as the percentage of PAC increased to 10%. This work provides another potential usage of PAC in CW-MFCs with a higher wastewater treatment efficiency and energy recovery.
Dengping Hu, Guangyao Zhang, Juan Wang et al.
Australian Journal of Chemistry · 2014
The poor kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in neutral media and ambient temperature limit the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). So higher-performing, low-cost oxygen reduction catalysts play a key role in power output. Through direct nanoparticle nucleation and growth on carbon black, a nanocomposite of manganese cobaltite and carbon black (in situ-MnCo2O4/C) was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Subsequently, the in situ-MnCo2O4/C samples were characterized. The results show that the MnCo2O4 nanoparticles with a crystalline spinel structure are well dispersed on carbon black. Electrochemical measurements reveal that in situ-MnCo2O4/C demonstrates excellent ORR catalytic activity, which may account for the synergetic coupling effect between MnCo2O4 and carbon black. The ORR on as-prepared in situ-MnCo2O4/C hybrid mainly favours a direct 4-electron reaction pathway in alkaline solution. Moreover, in situ-MnCo2O4/C was used as an alternative catalyst for ORR in dual-chamber MFC. The obtained maximum power density is 545 mW m–2, which is far higher than that of the plain cathode (Pmax = 214 mW m–2) and slightly lower than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst (Pmax = 689 mW m–2). This study implies that in situ-MnCo2O4/C nanocomposite is an efficient and cost-effective cathode catalyst for practical MFC application.
Yong-juan Zhang, Cai-yu Sun, Xiao-ye Liu et al.
Water Science and Technology · 2013
Molasses wastewater contains large amounts of glucose, and it can provide enough energy for microbial decomposition. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) in this study was demonstrated to be able to treat real wastewater with the benefit of harvesting electricity energy. Efficient operation of this MFC requires a molasses wastewater and preferably an inexpensive anode electrolyte. The results from a batch of experiments showed that molasses wastewater could not only serve as the electron acceptor in anode, but also generate electricity stably. A maximum voltage output of 514.5 mV and a maximum power density of 65.82 mW/m2 were recorded at external resistance of 1,000 Ω. The MFC not only effectively dealt with the molasses wastewater, the chemical oxygen demand removal rate is 81.22%, but also had a significant effect in the processing of analog silver wastewater. At the end of the experiment, after disassembling the device, silver precipitation was found stacked on the cathode carbon paper electrode, and some black sediment was found at the side of the proton membrane anode.
Nabea Muneer Mahdi, Ahmed Hassoon Ali
Journal of Physics: Conference Series · 2021
Abstract In this work single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) incorporating agar salt bridge pipe were used to investigate the interaction mechanisms between bacterial growth, Congo red decolorization, and bioelectricity generation. After 20 days of SCMFC operation in a batch test using a mixture of Congo red (CR) and sucrose as fuel, graphite plates electrodes, temperature 32ºC and under anaerobic working condition results showed that 98% decoloraization at dye concentration 300 mg\l demonstrated at UV-Visible Spectrophotometer ( wavelength 500 nm) and maximum voltage output of approximately 263.9 mv. Microbial community analysis showed the high species of bacteria Shigella dysenteria and Salmonella sp. (23×109 and 19×109 Count CFU/mL respectively). The bacterial growth activates start to decrease due to substrate reduction for metabolic process and pH automatically dropping from 8.2 to 6.9 as a result of the reaction. This study offered a feasible option for the dye wastewater treatment and electricity generation by using single chamber microbial fuel cells.
Iwona Gajda, John Greenman, Carlo Santoro et al.
ECS Meeting Abstracts · 2018
Bioelectrochemical systems are employing microbes as biocatalysts to convert waste into valuable resources. For example, a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) utilises chemical energy locked in human urine into direct electrical current and can be scaled-up to power practical applications [1]. It is therefore paramount to improve power output and study catalytic reactions in which wastes are converted to useful products. In this work, an iron based electrocatalyst incorporated into an air-breathing cathode was tested in order to verify the functionality of the MFC as a simple, trigenerative system for (i) improved electricity levels (ii) to efficiently treat waste (neat human urine) in the anode and (iii) to obtain electrochemically treated (cleaned) catholyte as a function of system performance. The novelty of this process is in the simplicity of the operation, chemical-free and self-sustaining recovery. Materials and Methods Small scale (50 mm height) terracotta cylinders were constructed as MFCs with an internal cathode chamber and an external anode [2]. Cathodes were based on activated carbon (control) and iron catalyst blended into activated carbon (catalyst). Anodes were made from carbon veil wrapped around the ceramic cylinder. Each reactor was placed in the plastic beaker and seeded with a concentrated mixed inoculum derived from activated sludge and fresh human urine. The following feeding cycles, neat human urine was used as substrate for the MFCs. Results and Discussion The power output data are consistent with the polarisation experiments and indicate that the catalyst is performing 37 % better than the control. The catalyst based MFCs were also most efficient in utilising organic content (COD removal) in the anode which can be linked to their electrical performance. Due to MFC operation, a continuous formation of clear liquid was observed on the cathode electrode which was initially empty. It was recovered as a catholyte liquid from the inner chamber of the MFC (Fig 1) as an electrochemically cleaned (bleached) catholyte. Due to the electric field generated by the microbial anode, the substrate (urine) is separated into two solutions: the anolyte and the catholyte showing pH and ion splitting. Ion concentration, pH and rate of catholyte production relationships showed a linear dependence with power generation which underlined the ability of ceramic MFC system to generate electric power and simultaneously clean human urine. Conclusions The study confirmed that current generation was a key factor to drive the water extraction, pH and ion splitting functioning similar to electrodialysis system bleaching urine. Acknowledgements This work has been supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, grant no. OPP1094890 and OPP 1139954. References Ieropoulos, I. et al ., (2016). Pee power urinal – microbial fuel cell technology field trials in the context of sanitation. Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2, 336-343. Gajda, I., et al ., (2015). Simultaneous electricity generation and microbially-assisted electrosynthesis in ceramic MFCs. Bioelectrochemistry 104, 58–64. Figure 1
Irnie Azlin Zakaria
Journal of Mechanical Engineering · 2023
Efficient thermal management is essential for the optimal performance and durability of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). However, the conventional passive cooling methods require a larger heat exchanger for better heat dissipation. Alternatively, nanofluids as a coolant have gained attention recently due to their enhanced heat transfer properties. This investigation aims to evaluate the thermal performance of hybrid nanofluids in a distributor type of PEMFC cooling plate. In this investigation, 0.5% volume concentration of mono Al2O3, mono SiO2 nanofluids, and hybrid Al2O3:SiO2 nanofluids with a mixture ratio of 10:90, 30:70, 50:50, and 70:30 in 60:40 W:EG were investigated. The cooling plate was modelled and a fixed heat flux of 6500 w/m2 was applied to replicate the actual working parameter of PEMFC. The study shows that the heat transfer coefficient was improved by 61% in 10:90 hybrid nanofluids of Al2O3:SiO2 in W:EG in comparison to the base fluid. Meanwhile, the accompanied pressure drops in 10:90 hybrid nanofluids of Al2O3:SiO2 in W:EG show a reduction up to 4.38 times lower as compared to single Al2O3 nanofluids at Re 1800. This is advantageous since it will reduce the parasitic loss related to the PEM fuel cell.
Do Yeon Hong, Yeon Woo Cha, Yoomin Ahn
Advanced Materials Technologies · 2024
Abstract In this study, textile‐based microbial photoelectrochemical solar cells are developed for flexible electronic device applications. Configuration of the self‐pumping microfluidic channel without a proton exchange membrane is adopted to miniaturize the biophotovoltaic device. The microchannel region of the miniature device is patterned by silk screen printing using a body‐friendly Ecoflex to maintain the flexibility of the fabric substrate. Gold nanoparticle biosynthesized Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 biocatalyst, supercapacitive ternary nanocomposite anode, and solid‐state Ag 2 O oxidant are used to enhance the biosolar cell performance. A maximum current density of 135.1 µA cm −2 and peak power density of 14.1 µW cm −2 , which are higher than previous textile‐based microbial fuel cells, are achieved in the presence of light. The monolayer fabric‐based biosolar cell has a stable performance up to 100 and 20 cycles of stretching and twisting, respectively. The presented new platform of flexible microbial solar cells offers the development possibility of self‐sustaining wearable electronics.
Songyot Mongkulphit, Petch Pengchai, Nattawoot Suwannata
International Journal of Environmental Science and Development · 2020
Scaling-up microbial fuel cells for continuous-flow wastewater treatment is the conventional challenge for numbers of researchers. Here in this study, we constructed large volume biofilter-microbial fuel cells (BMFCs) by applying graphite electrodes to the low-cost biofilters. Very high flow rates of 625-2,667 mL/hr (15-35 L/day) were applied to the BMFCs to explore their influence on wastewater treatment and electricity generation. An effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) was expunged from the experiment by using various chamber volumes under the same HRT of 5 hrs. The result revealed that 32-73 % of COD removal, 5-14% of TN removal, 13-18% of TP removal, and 16.2-53 mW/m2 of power output could be achieved by the BMFCs. Higher flow rates led to higher pollutant removal rates and higher power densities under the linear regression equations with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.81-0.99. As the power density was the linear function of the pollutant removal rates (R2 = 0.93-0.97), the increasing shear rate which accorded with the increasing flow rate was considered as the key factor to enrich biomass and provoke electrogenic activity in an anode chamber. Therefore, the highest pollutant removal rates and highest power density were observed at the highest flow rate.
Venkatesh Chaturvedi, Pradeep Verma
Journal of Waste Management · 2014
Keratinolytic potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain SDS3 has been evaluated for the metabolism of chicken feathers. Results indicated that strain SDS3 showed complete metabolism of 0.1 and 0.5% (w/v) chicken feathers in minimal medium. Feathers were metabolized up to 80% at 1% (w/v) concentration. Maximum soluble protein ( 480.8 ± 17.1 μ g/mL) and keratinase ( 15.4 ± 0.25 U/mL) were observed in the presence of 1% chicken feathers after five days of incubation. The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources showed that feather degradation was stimulated by complex carbon/nitrogen sources such as starch, malt extract, tryptone, and beef extract and was inhibited by simple carbon and nitrogen sources. Electricity production by employing chicken feathers as a substrate in microbial fuel cell (MFC) was evaluated. It was observed that maximum voltage corresponding to 141 mV was observed after 14 days of incubation. Maximum power density of 1206.78 mW/m 2 and maximum current density of 8.6 mA/m 2 were observed. The results clearly indicate that chicken feathers can be successfully employed as a cheap substrate for electricity production in MFC. This is the first report showing employment of chicken feathers as substrate in MFC.
Berkay Eren, Mehmet Hakan Demir
Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering · 2022
Abstract The output voltage of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) needs to be controlled effectively to improve the operating efficiency of MFC system against the load variations, disturbances, and uncertainties. The output voltage control is purposed to provide the MFC with an appropriate amount of fuel required to maintain the stability of output voltage. In the applications, the MFC output voltage can be requested to track the variable reference voltage or to track the constant output voltage under changing conditions such as load change. For this purpose, two adaptive fuzzy PID (FPID) controllers powered by optimization algorithms were designed in this study to keep the output voltage value of the MFC at the desired values. This study extends the previous works by using optimization algorithms, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms, to adjust fuzzy logic parameters, which are used for tuning Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (PID) controllers. The optimization‐based adaptive FPID controllers play an active role in efficient, fast, and robust tracking of the reference voltage value with its adaptive structure. The designed adaptive control algorithms were tested under different cases, which involve the variation of the reference voltage and load conditions. The results show that both of these controllers can effectively control the output voltage of a MFC by regulating the flow rate of the fuel. In addition, the performances of the designed controller strategies according to the results obtained vary according to the reference signal. While PSO‐based FPID gives more successful results for positive step changes, GWO‐based FPID gives more successful results for negative step changes. These two control strategies show more efficient, robust, successful, and faster performances compared to the traditional PID controller.
Moh. Abduh Wafi, Mutiara Garnet Ahmad, Misto Misto et al.
Jurnal ILMU DASAR · 2024
The application of ceramic-based Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for the treatment of tofu liquid waste presents a promising and environmentally sustainable approach. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding variations in substrate concentration and to determine the effect of variations in the surface area of the electrode (anode and cathode), resulting in a maximum power density value for a period of 13 days of measurement. The initial step is measuring the voltage and current with the substrate concentration without a dilution process, then the concentration variations are carried out by dilution 10 times, 8 times, 5 times, 4 times, and 2 times on ceramics with a diameter of 8 cm. The second step is measuring the voltage and current by varying the surface area of the electrodes (cathode and anode). The results of the measurements obtained that the maximum power density value obtained was 188.23 mW/m2 without a dilution process, namely with a concentration of 3640 ppm for the third day. Meanwhile, the results of the measurement of the variation of the electrode surface area obtained a maximum power density value of 205.88 mW/m2 on the electrode surface area of 3.57 m2 for the third day. The more surface area of the electrode given at the time of measurement, the more bacteria contact the electrode, causing the resulting power density value to be even greater.
Mariagiovanna Minutillo, Rosa Anna Nastro, Simona Di Micco et al.
E3S Web of Conferences · 2019
The microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent an emerging technology for converting directly organic waste into electricity. In recent years, the application of MFCs to the energy recovery from wastes has been widely explored. The main aspect that limits the development and implementation of this technology on a larger-scale is the possibility of realizing its scaling-up. In order to overcome this critical factor, it is useful to analyze novel MFCs configurations based on compact reactors with multiple electrodes.In this paper, single chamber MFCs provided with multiple fiber brush anodes and a single air-cathode were designed and realized by using a 3D printer. The reactors had a cubic shape, with a cylindrical chamber of 350 mL in volume. The mineral medium added with sodium acetate (0.25 M), as sole source of carbon and energy to sustain exoelectrogenic bacteria metabolism, were used. Anodes biofilms were prepared from a mix of compost and sodium acetate dissolved in phosphate buffer solution (0.2M), in a 1:3 ratio. The performances of two MFCs provided with two and three anodes were assessed in terms of voltage, current density and power density. These performances were compared to those of a smaller cubic MFC (30mL).
Umi Nihayah, M. Ramdlan Kirom
The International Journal of Pegon : Islam Nusantara civilization · 2022
dengan bantuan mikroorganisme. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan desain dual chamber MFC 10x10x5 cm untuk mengetahui keluaran arus dan tegangan yang dihasilkan menggunakan membran berongga semen ukuran diameter 3 cm dan tebal 0,5 cm dengan campuran Natrium Clorida (NaCl). Kompartemen anoda menggunakan plat seng (Zn) dan katoda menggunakan plat tembaga (Cu) dengan ukuran sama 5x3 cm. Penelitian menggunakan perbandingan 1:1 untuk variasi limbah organik substrat limbah cair tahu dan limbah kulit pisang dengan dicampur lumpur sawah. Dari hasil pengukuran, produksi listrik maksimal selama 14 hari pada substrat limbah cair tahu yaitu dengan inkubasi 6 hari dan pada substrat limbah kulit pisang padat dan cair yaitu dengan inkubasi 3 hari. Hasil pengukuran dapat diperoleh tegangan 252,010 mV, arus 2,52 mA, dan daya 390,648 mW pada substrat limbah cair tahu, tegangan 82,609 mV, arus 0,828 mA, dan daya 68,543 mW pada substrat limbah kulit pisang padat, dan tegangan 66 mV, arus 0,66 mA, dan daya 43,6 mW pada substrat limbah kulit pisang cair. 
 
 Currently, Indonesia has a big challenge to increase quality energy in order to support sustainable development. So far, the energy used to produce electricity is oriented towards fossil energy which causes negative impacts, while the utilization of non-fossil energy is still low. The solution provided is the use of new and renewable energy that can be used for electricity production needs such as the use of Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology. MFC is a bioelectristry-based device that converts chemical energy into electricity by utilizing organic compounds as well as utilizing enzymatic catalysts with the help of microorganisms. In this study, it used a dual chamber MFC 10x10x5 cm design to determine the output of current and voltage generated using a cement hollow membrane measuring 3 cm in diameter and 0.5 cm thick with a mixture of Sodium Clorida (NaCl). The anode compartment uses zinc plate (Zn) and the cathode uses copper plate (Cu) with the same size of 5x3 cm. The study used a ratio of 1: 1 for the variation of organic waste substrates of tofu liquid waste and banana peel waste mixed with rice field sludge. From the measurement results, electricity production is a maximum of 14 days on the tofu liquid waste substrate, namely with 6 days incubation and on the solid and liquid banana peel waste substrate, namely with 3 days incubation. The measurement results can be obtained a voltage of 252,010 mV, a current of 2.52 mA, and a power of 390.648 mW on the tofu liquid waste substrate, a voltage of 82.609 mV, a current of 0.828 mA, and a power of 68.543 mW on the solid banana peel waste substrate, and a voltage of 66 mV, a current of 0.66 mA, and a power of 43.6 mW on the liquid banana peel waste substrate.
Xiaoyuan Zhang, Deepak Pant, Fang Zhang et al.
ChemElectroChem · 2014
Abstract Activated carbon (AC) is a low‐cost and effective catalyst for oxygen reduction in air cathodes of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), but its performance must be maintained over time. AC was modified by three methods: 1) pyrolysis with iron ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (AC‐Fe), 2) heat treatment (AC‐heat), and 3) mixing with carbon black (AC‐CB). The maximum power densities after one month with these AC cathodes were 35 % higher with AC‐Fe (1410±50 mW m −2 ) and AC‐heat (1400±20 mW m −2 ), and 16 % higher with AC‐CB (1210±30 mW m −2 ) than for plain AC (1040±20 mW m −2 ), versus 1270±50 mW m −2 for a Pt control. After 16 months, the Pt cathodes produced only 250±10 mW m −2 . However, the AC‐heat and AC‐CB cathodes still produced 960–970 mW m −2 , whereas plain AC produced 860±60 mW m −2 . The performance of the AC cathodes was restored to >85 % of the initial maximum power densities by cleaning with a weak acid solution. Based on cost considerations among the AC materials, AC‐CB appears to be the best choice for long‐term performance.
Gerard M. Delaney, H. Peter Bennetto, Jeremy R. Mason et al.
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology. Biotechnology · 1984
Abstract Various phenoxazine, phenothiazine, phenazine, indophenol and bipyridilium derivatives were tested for their effectiveness as redox mediators in microbial fuel cells containing Alcaligenes eutrophus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli , or Proteus vulgaris as the active biological agent, and glucose or succinate as the oxidisable substrate. A ferricyanide‐Pt cathode was used. The open‐circuit cell e.m.f.′s increased in the order of increasing negative formal redox potentials at pH 7(E 7 m ) of the redox compounds. Several of the redox agents worked well as mediators, maintaining steady currents over several hours, and thionine was found to be particularly effective in maintaining relatively high cell voltages when current was drawn from the cell. A number of the compounds tested did not function well, either because they were incompletely or slowly reduced by the microorganisms or because of their instability. P. vulgaris , with thionine as mediator and glucose as substrate, showed the best performance in a fuel cell. This system was examined in some detail under various conditions of external load to establish the effects of organism concentration, mediator concentration, and substrate addition. Coulombic outputs from these cells were calculated by integration of the current‐time plots. Coulombic yields of 30–60% were obtained, on the basis of (theoretical) complete oxidation of added substrate to CO 2 and water.
Adriano S. Gomes, Camilo E. La Rotta, Marcia Nitschke et al.
ECS Transactions · 2011
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are devices that use microorganisms to produce electricity. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rod-shaped bacterium and the only bacterial species that produces pyocyanin (PYO). In MFCs, the pyocyanin can play an important role as an electron shuttle. PYO production can be improved in glycerol enriched culture media. Glycerol has become a huge market problem because it is de main biodiesel byproduct. Its use as fuel in MFC is being promising. In the present study we evaluated in a MFC the current output achieved by pure cultures of P. aeruginosa cultivated in King broth medium using Nafion® 117 as proton exchange membrane. Results have shown that a maximum current output of 15.3 μAcm-2 can be achieved when using the chosen culture medium. In parallel, experiments involving the oxygen reduction reaction showed that Nafion® membranes can lose the activity due to the medium composition.
André Luiz Candido da Silva, Antonio Teixeira e Silva
Brazilian Journal of Radiation Sciences · 2021
The aim of this work is to present a comparative analysis in terms of the irradiation performance of cylindrical uranium dioxide fuel rods and monolithic uranium molybdenum fuel plates in pressurized light water reactors.To analyze the irradiation performance of monolithic uranium molybdenum fuel plates when subjected to steady state operating conditions in light water pressurized reactors, the computer program PADPLAC-UMo was used, which performs thermal and mechanical analysis of the fuel taking into account the physical , chemicals and irradiation effects to which this fuel is subjected. For the analysis of the uranium dioxide fuel rods, the code FRAPCON was used, which is an analytical tool that verifies the irradiation performance of fuel rods of pressurized light water reactor, when the power variations and the boundary conditions are slow enough for the term permanent regime to be applied. The analysis for a small nuclear power reactor, despite the higher power density applied to the fuel plate in relation to the fuel rod, showed that the fuel plates have lower temperatures and lower fission gas releases throughout the analyzed power history, allowing the use of a more compact reactor core without exceeding the design limits imposed on nuclear fuel.
M. Guo, X. R. Zai, T. Li et al.
Fuel Cells · 2018
Abstract As exogenous substances, L‐methionine, L‐threonine and L‐lysine were added into the marine sediment to construct marine sediments microbial fuel cells (MSMFCs) and the effects on the anodic electrochemical activity were following investigated. The results show that the addition of the amino acid increases anodic electrochemical activity, and the anode in L‐methionine modified sediment presents better performance than others. The specific capacitance of anode in L‐methionine modified sediment (192.00 F cm −2 ) is 4.0 times bigger than that of anode in unmodified sediment, generating a maximum current density of 2.560 × 10 −4 A cm −2 . In their Tafel curves, the anodic exchange current density in the L‐methionine modified sediment (2.14 × 10 −6 A cm −2 ) is 93.04 times higher than that of unmodified anode, which suggests that the electrochemical activity of redox, anti‐polarization ability and electron transfer kinetic activity are improved significantly. The MSMFC with L‐methionine modified sediment generates the higher power densities than the blank (143.2 mW m −2 versus 59.2 mW m −2 ), and its current also increases by 2.8 times. This demonstrates that L‐methionine provides a practical advantage on the anodic electrochemical and battery performance. Therefore, amino acids are good tools to evaluate its power generation of the MSMFCs.
Yongfeng Liu, Jianhua Gao, Na Wang et al.
Applied Sciences · 2018
A three-dimensional and isothermal anode relative humidity (ARH) model is presented and used to study the anode inlet humidity effects on the fastest power attenuation single cell in a vehicle fuel cell stack. The ARH model is based on the phenomenon that the anode is more sensitive than the cathode to water flooding. The pressure drop is considered in the ARH model, and saturation pressure is established by a pressure drop. Based on the pressure drop and relative humidity, simulations and tests are completed. First, the geometric model and computational grids are established, based on real structure of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Second, single cell distribution in the stack, test schematic and experimental conditions are demonstrated. Finally, polarization curves with 10 cells are displayed and discussed under these conditions that working temperature 70 °C, and diverse relative humidity (40%, 55%, 70%, 85%, and 100%). The test results of 34 cm2 fuel cell stack are compared against simulation results. The results show that C10 (the single cell with the farthest distance from the gas inlet) power attenuation is the fastest and that its performance is the poorest under the experimental conditions. The polarization curves predicted by the ARH model indicate fairly good coherence with the experimental results, compared against the Fluent original model. The ARH model calculation deviation is 28% less than the Fluent model at 360 mA·cm−2 for a relative humidity of 85%. The current density distribution is almost uniform, and membrane water content is negatively affected by high humidity.
Chun-Hsien Kuo
ECS Meeting Abstracts · 2020
When the volume of a product decreases and the need of power supply remains, the problem of lacking of space for power equipment appears. In this condition, flat planar fuel cells could be one of the solutions for this challenge; additionally, flat planar flexible fuel cells with non-latch locks can be applied to products with curvy surface in order to fit with their aesthetic design. This research analyzes the parameters of fuel cell bending deformation to find the best combination. The Taguchi method is applied to optimize the following parameters: bending direction, width of pressing bead, pressing force, curvature depth, bending times, opening rate of cathode air-intake holes, as well as elongation. The test results indicate the highest contribution rate with the bending depth, followed by the bead area, and the third one is the circular cathode air-intake holes. All of the above parameters have contribution rates over 10%. Moreover, the 15% elongation of cathode, arranged with larger curvature depth and smaller width of pressing bead, concentrates the force within specific portion and makes the internal resistance smaller. The overall performance of the fuel cell is thus improved. Fuel cell components in this research are laminated with glue, instead of screw locking, in order to better prevent gas leakage and to have better anti-vibration ability. The fuel cell can even be formed into U-shape to fit the curvy surface of different products. The fuel cell’s power density acquired from the optimized parameters by the Taguchi method is 82.5mW/cm^2. This is also the optimized power density for the fuel cell.
Idoia San Martín, Alfredo Ursúa, Pablo Sanchis
Energies · 2014
This paper reports on the modelling of a commercial 1.2 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), based on interrelated electrical and thermal models. The electrical model proposed is based on the integration of the thermodynamic and electrochemical phenomena taking place in the FC whilst the thermal model is established from the FC thermal energy balance. The combination of both models makes it possible to predict the FC voltage, based on the current demanded and the ambient temperature. Furthermore, an experimental characterization is conducted and the parameters for the models associated with the FC electrical and thermal performance are obtained. The models are implemented in Matlab Simulink and validated in a number of operating environments, for steady-state and dynamic modes alike. In turn, the FC models are validated in an actual microgrid operating environment, through the series connection of 4 PEMFC. The simulations of the models precisely and accurately reproduce the FC electrical and thermal performance.
Samar Amari, Mohammad Boshrouyeh Ghandashtani
Water and Environment Journal · 2019
Abstract The two‐chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) was designed and used for studying the efficiency of the real wastewater treatment from a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory pharmaceutical plant as well as from synthetic wastewater containing diclofenac sodium (DS). The removal of the contaminants was expressed regarding chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, as measured by spectrophotometry experiments. Moreover, the effect of two different types of the cathode on current characteristics and COD removal was investigated. This research showed that the Pt‐coated Ti cathode could lead to higher efficiency of both power density and COD removal. In this case, the results indicated that the maximum power density ( P max ) was 20.5 and 6.5 W/m 3 and the maximum COD removal was 93 and 78% for MFCs using real and synthetic wastewater, respectively.
Mojeed Opeyemi Oyedeji, Abdullah Alharbi, Mujahed Aldhaifallah et al.
Energies · 2023
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are biocells that use microorganisms as biocatalysts to break down organic matter and convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Presently, the application of MFCs as alternative energy sources is limited by their low power attribute. Optimization of MFCs is very important to harness optimum energy. In this study, we develop optimal data-driven models for a typical MFC synthesized from polymethylmethacrylate and two graphite plates using machine learning algorithms including support vector regression (SVR), artificial neural networks (ANNs), Gaussian process regression (GPR), and ensemble learners. Power density and output voltage were modeled from two different datasets; the first dataset has current density and anolyte concentration as features, while the second dataset considers current density and chemical oxygen demand as features. Hyperparameter optimization was carried out on each of the considered machine learning-based models using Bayesian optimization, grid search, and random search to arrive at the best possible models for the MFC. A model was derived for power density and output voltage having 99% accuracy on testing set evaluations.
Thabed Tholib Baladraf
ECS Meeting Abstracts · 2021
The increase in world population is in line with the increase in the amount of energy demand, especially electricity. However, the energy used today is still using fossil energy, which one day will run out. Dependence on non-renewable energy causes weak energy resistance, resulting in electricity scarcity. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) can be a new alternative energy source because they can generate electrical energy by utilizing the interactions of bacteria found in nature. To fulfill electricity needs, researchers created a tool that can generate electrical energy by utilizing food waste and human waste as a substrate which is converted into electrical energy through the bioelectrochemical activity of electrons and protons by bacteria. The tool is integrated with the internet of things as an effort to use technology so that it can control temperature and voltage automatically. This research was aimed to determine the design of a tool to convert food waste and human waste into clean renewable electrical energy, determine the working principle of the tool, determine the efficiency of the tool in producing electrical energy, and determine the potential of the tool to meet electricity needs. The research was carried out using 3 variations, namely variation 1 (zinc and cathode), variation 2 (food waste, human waste, and water), variation 3 (carbon, cathode, nutrient broth, electrolyte solution, food waste, and human waste). The tool created is portable with a DC voltage of 12 V to AC 220 V 500 W and the best results are obtained from variation 3 with 26.6 volts from 1.8 liters of food waste and human waste to obtain a voltage efficiency of up to 95%. This tool has the potential to overcome the electrical energy crisis and fulfill people's electricity needs by utilizing food waste and human waste.
Alfredo Costilla Reyes, Celal Erbay, Salvador Carreon-Bautista et al.
Applied Sciences · 2018
Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology is a novel Energy Harvesting (EH) source that can transform organic substrates in wastewater into electricity through a bioelectrochemical process. However, its limited output power available per liter is in the range of a few milliwatts, which results very limited to be used by an Internet of Things (IoT) smart node that could require power in the order of hundreds of milliwatts when in full operation. One way to reach a usable power output is to connect several MFCs in series or parallel; nevertheless, the high output characteristic resistance of MFCs and differences in output voltage from multiple MFCs, dramatically worsens its power efficiency for both series and parallel arrangements. In this paper, a Power Management System (PMS) is proposed to allow maximum power harvesting from multiple MFCs while providing a regulated output voltage. To enable a more efficient and reliable power-harvesting process from multiple MFCs that considers the biochemical limitations of the bacteria to extend its lifetime, a power ranking and MFC health-protection algorithm using an interleaved EH operation was implemented in a PIC24F16KA102 microcontroller. A power extraction sub-block of the system includes an ultra-low-power BQ25505 step-up DC-DC converter, which integrates Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) capabilities. The maximum efficiency measured of the PMS was ~50.7%. The energy harvesting technique presented in this work was tested to power an internet-enabled temperature-sensing smart node.
Emut Sukma Sejati, Sudarlin
Journal of Physics: Conference Series · 2021
Abstract Ceramic is low-cost separator membrane has widely applied in dual-chambered Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). Its big pores and other chemical and physical advantages make it suitable to substitute expensive exchange separator membranes. The purpose of this study is to enhance electricity of ceramic-based microbial fuel cell by using various number of carbon electrode pairs. This study uses tempe waste as anolyte and KMnO4 as its catholyte to gain electricity. Three variety of electrode pairs data of electricity result is processed statistically to examine significant difference of voltage, current, and power density as parameters. The result of this study shows that electricity of three-electrode pairs has a higher average of power density with the number 1447,91 mW/m 2 , the difference between three and two electrode pairs is around 588 mW/m 2 and between three and one electrode pairs is 910 mW/m 2 . It has significant difference between one, two, and three-electrode pairs in the parameters.
Yang-Guo Zhao, Yanhui Zhao, Yi Zhang et al.
Water Science and Technology · 2018
Abstract Thermophile pretreatment of activated sludge greatly improves the biodegradability of sludge, but whether the pretreated products are suitable for the electricity generation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is still little known. In this study, municipal activated sludge pretreated by a thermophilic bacterium and heating, respectively, was separately fed into the MFCs. The performance of MFCs was examined and changes of anodic microbial communities were investigated with scanning electron microscopy and 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina Miseq platform. The results showed that MFCs fed with heating-pretreated sludge performed preferably and the power density reached 0.91–2.86 W/m3. MFC anodes were covered with considerable Geobacter spp. However, the bioaugmentation of sludge with the thermophile was not able to support a high potential output although the pretreatment significantly increased the soluble chemical oxygen demand. The maximum power density approached 0.20 W/m3 even when the anolyte was regularly changed. It was observed that amending pH did not improve the performance of MFC. Investigation on this anodic microbial community found that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. exceeded 91%. Consequently, the thermophile-pretreated products stimulated the growth of non-exoelectrogens and finally the niches of anodic biofilm were completely occupied by Lactobacillus spp.
Pranabendu Mitra, Gordon A. Hill
The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering · 2011
Abstract A complete microbial fuel cell (MFC) operating under continuous flow conditions and using Chlorella vulgaris at the cathode and Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the anode was investigated for the production of electricity. The MFC was loaded with different resistances to characterise its power capabilities and voltage dynamics. A cell recycle system was also introduced to the cathode to observe the effect of microalgae cell density on steady‐state power production and dynamic voltage profiles. At the maximum microalgae cell density of 2140 mg/L, a maximum power level of 0.6 mW/m 2 of electrode surface area was achieved. The voltage difference between the cathode and anode decreased as the resistance decreased within the closed circuit, with a maximum open circuit voltage (infinite resistance) of 220 mV. The highest current flow of 1.0 mA/m 2 of electrode surface area was achieved at an applied resistance of 250 Ω.
Bustami Ibrahim, Uju Uju, Alvindo Chrisna Mukti
Jurnal Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan Indonesia · 2019
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bioreactor utilizing bacteria as electrocatalysts to convert bioenergy from biomass into electrical energy. The aim of this research were to determine the effects of the electrode distance on the bacterial density and the electrical value generated by the MFC as well as to evaluate the ability of MFC in reducing the pollutant. Single chamber MFC system with various electrode distances including 2 cm, 4 cm, and 6 cm were assembled. The wastewater of fish pindang processing was used as the medium<br />for the MFC. The results showed that the distance had no effect on the biofilm density of the electrode and the reduction of the wastewater pollutant load. However, the distance affected the electrical value of the<br />MFC. Biofilm density on the MFC electrode after 120 hours was 0.65-6.46 CFU/ cm2. The highest voltage was obtained from the 6 cm electrode distance with the voltage 0.38±0.01 V. Positive correlation (R2 = 0.99)<br />between microbial density and electricity produced at the cathode was observed, but weak at the anoda (R2 = 0.47). The MFC system could decrease the BOD value up to 50.78% and COD up to 33.29%, however the TAN value was increased to 6 mg/L.
Xiaoye Xing, Zhongliang Liu, Wenwen Chen et al.
Catalysts · 2020
Dandelion seeds (DSs) have the advantages of high nitrogen content, low cost and easy availability and thus are ideal carbon precursors for fabricating carbon nanomaterials. Herein, this paper prepared a carbon nanosheet material by one-step carbonizing DSs with KOH activation (self-doped-nitrogen porous carbon nanosheets (N-CNS)) and without KOH activation (unactivated self-doped-nitrogen porous carbon nanosheets (N-UA-CNS)), which could dope nitrogen atoms directly into carbon materials without additional processes. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images and X-ray diffraction(XRD) patterns both showed that N-CNS was of macro-porous structure, and beneficial for microorganisms’ growth. The Brunauer Emmett Teller(BET) surface area of N-CNS was 2107.5 m2 g−1, which was much higher than that of N-UA-CNS. After carbon clothes were modified by the obtained materials, the internal resistance of both N-CNS-modified carbon cloth (N-CNS-CC) and N-UA-CNS-modified carbon cloth (N-UA-CNS-CC) was greatly reduced and was found to be only 2.7 Ω and 4.0 Ω, respectively which are all significantly smaller than that of blank carbon cloth (65.1 Ω). These electrodes were assembled in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as anode, and the operation experiments showed that the N-CNS modification shortened start-up time, improved output stability and increased maximum output voltage significantly. The maximum power density of N-CNS-CC MFC was 1122.41 mW m−2 which was 1.3 times of that of N-UA-CNS-CC MFC and 1.6 times of that of CC MFC. The results demonstrated that N-CNS was an ideal modification material for fabricating MFC anodes with simple preparation process and low cost.
Junxian Shi, Anhuai Lu, Haibin Chu et al.
Applied Sciences · 2018
Developing simple and cheap electrocatalysts or photocatalysts for cathodes to increase the oxygen reduction process is a key factor for better utilization of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Here, we report the investigation of natural wolframite employed as a low-cost cathode photocatalyst to improve the performance of MFCs. The semiconducting wolframite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The band gap and photo respond activities were determined by UV-vis spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), respectively. Compared with the normal graphite cathode, when MFCs were equipped with a wolframite-coated cathode, the maximum power density was increased from 41.47 mW·m−2 to 95.51 mW·m−2. Notably, the maximum power density further improved to 135.57 mW·m−2 under light irradiation, which was 2.4 times higher than with a graphite cathode. Our research demonstrated that natural wolframite, a low-cost and abundant natural semiconducting mineral, showed promise as an effective photocathode catalyst which has great potential applications related to utilizing natural minerals in MFCs and for environmental remediation by MFCs in the future.
Silvia Wessel, Shanna Knights, Mike Lauritzen et al.
ECS Meeting Abstracts · 2014
Over the past 30 years Ballard’s PEM fuel technology evolved from proof-of-concept single cells via sub-scale and full-scale prototype systems to products in the areas of motive power (buses and materials handling), back-up power, co-generation, and distributed power generation which have been deployed extensively in demonstration programs and field trails. Today, Ballard is a leader in fuel cell stack design and manufacturing with products being commercially deployed in the materials handing and back-up power markets which both benefit from attractive financial value propositions. Furthermore, extensive research and development is also focused on bus stack and large scale distributed generation technology. In early technology demonstrations and field trials specifically in the transportation sector fuel cell performance was the key attribute under consideration; however, today the emphasis is on durability and cost which are the two major challenges that still hinder large-scale commercialization of fuel cell technology across all markets. Since 1991 Ballard’s fuel cell bus technology has been deployed in a variety of demonstration projects and today 49 fuel cell buses are in operation worldwide. The largest bus fleet deployed in 2009 in Whistler, B.C. has accumulated more than 150,000 hours of operational hours and a total driving distance of >3 million kilometers. The figure on the right shows the average cell performance of the buses which exceeds the warranted operational life of 8000 hours of the HD6 stack. As opportunities in the fuel cell bus market have accelerated over the last decade and with the development of over six generations of fuel cell modules, Ballard has overcome technical barriers related to power density and reliability. To date, the bus transportation platform developed by Ballard has been proven to meet the demands of range and duty cycle expectations, but the key barriers pertaining to cost and durability under the wide range of operating conditions necessary for transportation fuel cell stacks still remain. Ballard’s overall activities on reducing product cost have been driven by several approaches; (1) product design improvements that include reduced platinum loadings, lower part counts, and enhanced durability, (2) reduced sourcing costs through lower materials costs and increased volumes, (3) increased manufacturing efficiencies including use of continuous, automated assembly, (4) production scale up through increased market penetration. Since 2003 Ballard has achieved substantial cost reductions while increasing stack operational life 4-fold. Ballard’s large numbers of demonstration programs and field trials have been instrumental in providing insight into stack and MEA failure modes and this understandingtogether with modeling and fundamental research has been a driver in durability improvement through MEA design opportunities and operational mitigation strategies. The work that will be presented will provide an overview of Ballard’s Fuel Cell bus program, discuss the different aspects of stack durability that has been achieved over the last 10 years, and provide an insight into current research and development that is needed to narrow the durability and cost gap for large-scale commercialization.
Gaixiu Yang, Dong Chen, Pengmei Lv et al.
Scientific Reports · 2016
Abstract Bimetallic nanoparticles with core-shell structures usually display enhanced catalytic properties due to the lattice strain created between the core and shell regions. In this study, we demonstrate the application of bimetallic Au-Pd nanoparticles with an Au core and a thin Pd shell as cathode catalysts in microbial fuel cells, which represent a promising technology for wastewater treatment, while directly generating electrical energy. In specific, in comparison with the hollow structured Pt nanoparticles, a benchmark for the electrocatalysis, the bimetallic core-shell Au-Pd nanoparticles are found to have superior activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction in a neutral condition due to the strong electronic interaction and lattice strain effect between the Au core and the Pd shell domains. The maximum power density generated in a membraneless single-chamber microbial fuel cell running on wastewater with core-shell Au-Pd as cathode catalysts is ca. 16.0 W m −3 and remains stable over 150 days, clearly illustrating the potential of core-shell nanostructures in the applications of microbial fuel cells.
Kumar Pijush Kataky, Amaresh Dalal, Gautam Biswas et al.
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science · 2020
Abstract Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) has various application potential as in generation of bioelectricity, bio-hydrogen production, waste water treatment and it is also used as biosensors. It would not be possible to headway without mentioning that MFCs have quite a many similarities with Chemical Fuel Cells (CFC). It is seen that a lot of research is carried out for CFCs as compared to MFCs. Most of the research works on MFCs include experimental approach while very few computational studies have been carried out for MFCs. So an endeavour is made to create a model which mimics the working by simulating the key physical and biochemical processes occurring. Results imply that variation of current density occurs with change in Reynolds number (Re) and kinetic rate of reaction (k) which lead to the study of effects of variation of flow rates, turbulence and the action of different bacteria in the efficiency of MFCs. The current density achieved computationally is around 512 mA/m 2 for Re=5 and k=10 −3 which is in good agreement with the experimental data. Regions of higher current density are found which can be used to improvise the MFCs. Present mathematical model provides a new perspective in understanding the biomass concentration across the MFC and gives better knowledge of the mechanisms taking place. This simple computational framework provides insight into the fluid dynamics involved during continuous feeding, by overcoming the limitations and technical barriers in monitoring and examining through experiments. By implementing the findings from this model optimization of designs can be achieved leading to higher current generation, increase in efficacy and cost effective production techniques which paves the way for future work.
Uttam Ghosh, Rahul Gautam, Jagdeep Nayak
Global NEST International Conference on Environmental Science & Technology · 2022
Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology is based on bioelectrochemical system, extract power from organic load of the wastes to produce bio-electricity. The present study have evaluated the effect of the different electrode materials in two sets of mediator-less H- type double chambered MFC operated at 30 ± 2 °C in a batch mode. In MFCGG, graphite rods (G) and in MFCCBG carbon brush (CB) and graphite rod (G) were used as anode and cathode electrode respectively. The both MFC were fed with distillery spent wash as a substrate with HRT of 21 days. The maximum COD removal of 61.07 % and 67.17 %; open circuit voltage (OCV) of 565 and 735 mV were achieved in MFCGG and MFCCBG respectively. The peak power densities of 3.19 W/m2 and 5.4 W/m2 were recorded in MFCGG and MFCCBG. These results suggest the efficacy of carbon brush anode in MFCCBG compared to graphite rod as an anode material in MFC for bioelectricity production.
Prapti Ira Kumalasari, Junety Monde, Zefanya Bernadi Yusuf et al.
CHEESA: Chemical Engineering Research Articles · 2019
<p class="PageNumber1">Kalimantan merupakan pulau yang terkenal akan sektor pertambangan salah satunya di daerah delta Mahakam, yang dalam proses eksploitasinya berpotensi menghasilkan limbah logam berat, seperti logam berat Cr<sup>6+</sup>. Pencemaran logam Cr<sup>6+</sup> cukup sulit untuk terurai dilingkungan dan bersifat karsinogenik, karena dengan konsentrasi kecil saja dapat menimbulkan tingkat keracunan yang sangat tinggi pada makhluk hidup, sehingga pengolahan terhadap limbah tersebut sangat penting. <em>Microbial Fuel Cell</em> merupakan suatu metode yang dapat membantu proses pengolahan limbah dengan cara mereduksi Cr<sup>6+</sup> menjadi Cr<sup>3+</sup> dengan katalisis mikrobiologis. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode reaktor <em>double-chamber</em> yaitu terdapat ruang anoda yang berisi bakteri anaerob dan <em>basic anolyte</em>, sedangkan pada ruang katoda terdapat kalium dikromat dengan konsentrasi 18 mg/L dan variasi pH 3, 4 dan 5 yang dilakukan selama 10 hari. Kondisi pH optimum pada proses reduksi terjadi pada pH 4 dengan besar persen penurunan sekitar 98%. Dan produksi listrik tertinggi pada hari ke-2 pada variasi pH 3 dengan nilai power density sebesar sebesar 11, 06 mW/m<sup>2</sup>.</p>
Shalini Prajapati, Pydi Setty Yelamarthi
Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering · 2020
Abstract Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising technology for wastewater treatment coupled with electricity generation. Biowaste‐derived electrodes are used to improve the surface area, roughness, and hydrophilicity, which play pivotal role in the enhanced biofilm formation. In the present study, Ficus religiosa leaves (FRL) biowaste was used to develop the bioelectrode. In this study, Congo red (CR) dye decolorization was performed using MFC, wherein the effect of dye decolorization with respect to dye concentration, glucose concentration, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) was studied. The surface roughness and distribution of carbon powder on carbon cloth were confirmed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Also, Bacillus subtilis adhesion and chain‐like structure formation on the electrode confirmed the biofilm formation on the electrode. The polarization curve was performed to assess the MFC performance. The maximum power density of 70.50 mW/m 2 and current density of 251.79 mA/m 2 at 2,224 Ω was achieved. The maximum decolorization of 80.95 ± 2.08% and COD reduction of 73.96 ± 1.76% were obtained, respectively, after complete treatment of MFC for 54 h. UV‐visible spectrometry analysis of dye contained samples during MFC treatment at various time intervals was confirmed the cleavage of azo bond (NN), and the corresponding peak intensity variation was noticed at 490 nm.