Microbial Fuel Cell an Alternative for Sustainable Energy Production: Substrate, Challenges and Application

Abstract

The concept of bioelectricity has been known for over half a century. Its modern application in the form of a battery or fuel cell utilizing microbes and degradable organic molecules opens up a new domain of energy production in the form of Microbial fuel cells (MFC). This technology not only supports the sustainable development goals by being green and but also facilitates the utilization of a wide range of biosubstrates, leading to coupled applications like wastewater treatment, desalination, etc. The development of viable models of MFC and their possible scale-up for use is a major focus of the researchers as the global energy crisis increases and the search for alternatives widens. The construction, configuration, electrodes, electrolytes, and microorganisms used play a very relevant role in determining the performance, longevity, and utility of MFC. Furthermore, exploration of the underlying biochemical mechanisms and influence of MFC components on it leading to variabilities in coulombic efficiencies and power output are key areas underlying its development. This review attempts to present a cohesive summary of important achievements in the development of MFC research attempted globally.

Key findings

• ▸MFC technology has been known for over half a century and has modern applications in the form of a battery or fuel cell utilizing microbes and degradable organic molecules.
• ▸The development of viable models of MFC and their possible scale-up for use is a major focus of researchers due to the global energy crisis.
• ▸The construction, configuration, electrodes, electrolytes, and microorganisms used play a crucial role in determining the performance, longevity, and utility of MFC.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.2174/0122133461349973241119105835

Journal

Current Green Chemistry

Year

2025