Electricity production from synthesis gas in a multi‐electrode microbial fuel cell

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Electricity production in single‐anode/cathode MFCs fed with simulated synthesis gas (syngas) as the sole electron donor has recently been demonstrated. This study evaluated the ability of a multi‐anode/cathode MFC fed with syngas to achieve improved volumetric efficiency at several operating temperatures and electrode arrangements . RESULTS A maximum power density of 33 mW (normalized to the anodic compartment volume) and a coulombic efficiency ( CE ) of 43% was achieved at an operating temperature of 37°C. MFC operation at 50°C resulted in a much lower power density of 10 mW and a CE of 15%. The MFC power density was greatly impacted by the electrode arrangement and the highest power density was achieved in a three anode–two cathode ( 3A‐2C ) arrangement . CONCLUSION The multi‐electrode design enhanced the performance of a syngas‐fed MFC , which could have major economic and operational implications for designing large‐scale syngas‐fed MFCs . The MFC performance at elevated temperatures was restricted by low microbial activity, implying that a thermophilic rather than a mesophilic inoculum might be required for successful operation under thermophilic conditions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Key findings

• ▸Maximum power density of 33 mW was achieved at 37°C.
• ▸Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 43% was achieved at 37°C.
• ▸Multi-electrode MFC design improved volumetric efficiency compared to single-anode/cathode MFCs.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1002/jctb.4131

Journal

Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology

Year

2013