Ceramic-microbial fuel cell (C-MFC) for waste water treatment: A mini review

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that utilizes the activity of electrogenic bacteria to generate electricity. When wastewater is used as feed in MFC, its organic constituents are hydrolyzed and oxidized by the bacteria. Hence, this technology is a source of clean electricity while simultaneously treating wastewater. Over the years much research has been done to improve its efficiency as well as to reduce the cost of implementation and functioning. However, scalability and commercialization of this technology still faces several challenges. This mini review discusses the use of ceramics in MFCs using wastewater feed as a method of overcoming the current technological challenges. Ceramics can be used as separators, chassis or electrode, conferring facile chemical and structural stability. The material is low-cost, environment-friendly and easily available. Studies reporting stacked configurations have been mentioned, and those that have reported field studies and technology oriented practical applications. Critical analysis of the scalability of the use of ceramics for the dual purpose of electricity generation as well as wastewater treatment has been done in this review. Future research directives towards potential sustainable commercialization have also been mentioned. C-MFC is a promising technology and the primary aim of this review is to help enhance the knowledge base for the optimization of use of ceramics in MFC to achieve large-scale clean electricity generation and sewage treatment.