Chapter 3.2 - Microbial Fuel Cell Configurations: An Overview

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is one of the emerging technologies which is still at its developing stages and is being investigated to produce clean and sustainable energy. The use of waste materials (organic waste) for electricity production and the generation of nonpolluting end products in an MFC provides an advantage over the conventional energy sources. MFC design and configuration are some of the many factors affecting its performance and scalability, mainly by affecting membrane–electrode assembly among other parameters. In a broad way, MFCs can be classified as single- or double-chambered, and having membrane or membraneless reactors. Different MFC configurations have been developed to address the membrane–electrode assembly (MEA) arrangement and upscaling issues, towards increasing the power generation potential as well as to accommodate a faster and efficient treatment process. A wide range of MFC configurations allowed combination with other technologies such as MEC (microbial electrochemical cell), MBR (membrane bioreactor), and others for simultaneous applications other than electricity production, which can make it economically more feasible. Small-scale MFCs have also been developed demonstrating potential applications such as biosensors, portable diagnostic devices, as power sources for remote sensors, etc. Sediment MFCs are yet another type of MFCs which can be installed in marine sediments and can be used in remote areas. This chapter gives an overview of the different types of MFCs and reactor configurations, which have been developed and used for electricity generation and other applications.