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The addition of trehalose lipids to a microbial fuel cell (MFC) improved its power output by enhancing electron transfer, with current density and maximum power density increasing by 1.83 and 5.93 times, respectively.

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What they did

System
MFC

What worked

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Abstract

Abstract Electron transfer from microorganisms to the electrode is the key process in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, a trehalose lipid was added to a Rhodococcus pyridinivorans-inoculated MFC to improve the power output by enhancing electron transfer. Upon trehalose lipid addition, the current density and maximum power density were increased by 1.83 times and 5.93 times, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry analysis revealed that the addition of trehalose lipid increased the electron transfer performance, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results proved a decrease in internal resistance. Microscopy images showed that the trehalose lipid-treated bacteria interacted more closely with various fagellum-like contacts, while in the pure trehalose lipid (200 mg/L), pores were obviously observed in the cell surface. Importance Improving the power output of microbial fuel cells by the addition of bio-surfactants have been proved to be a novel method. However, only rhamnolipid and sophorolipid are certified to be effective. Trehalose lipid is a common material in cosmetic and bio-medicine industry. Our research broaden the application of bio-surfactant in MFC and preliminarily explain the mechanism. Highlights Trehalose lipid enhanced MFC power generation Trehalose lipid decrease MFC internal resistance Pores were observed with the addition of trehalose lipid Addition of bio-surfactant is a promising way to increase MFC performance

Key findings

  • Current density increased by 1.83 times
  • Maximum power density increased by 5.93 times
  • Electron transfer performance improved
  • Internal resistance decreased
  • Bacteria interacted more closely with the electrode

Keywords

TrehaloseMicrobial fuel cellCyclic voltammetryDielectric spectroscopyElectron transferBacteria

Identifiers

DOI
10.1101/339267
Journal
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Year
2018