An Upflow Microbial Fuel Cell with an Interior Cathode: Assessment of the Internal Resistance by Impedance Spectroscopy

Abstract

An upflow microbial fuel cell (UMFC) system with a U-shaped cathode inside the anode chamber was developed and produced a maximum volumetric power of 29.2 W/m3 at a volumetric loading rate of 3.40 kg COD/(m3 day) and an operating temperature of 35 degrees C while feeding sucrose continuously. The Coulombic efficiency decreased from 51.0% to 10.6% with the increase in the volumetric loading rate from 0.57 to 4.29 kg COD/(m3 day). In addition, the lab-scale UMFC maintained soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies exceeding 90% and volatile fatty acid concentrations of approximately 40 mg/L, indicating efficient wastewater treatment. The analysis of impedance spectroscopy, generated by fitting experimental data into an equivalent circuit, revealed that at a volumetric loading rate of 3.40 kg COD/(m3 day) the overall internal resistance was 17.13 omega. This internal resistance was composed of electrolyte resistance (8.62 omega), charge-transfer resistance (7.05 omega), and diffusion resistance (1.46 omega). Electrolyte resistance dominated throughout the entire range of loading rates. In addition, impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that both the anodic and the cathodic charge-transfer resistances were important limiting factors. To further improve the power output of the UMFC, we must reduce the electrolyte resistance by optimizing reactor configuration, reduce the anode charge-transfer resistances by selecting superior anodic microbiota, and reduce the cathodic charge-transfer resistance by exploring sustainable and efficient catalysts.