Abstract
The demand for energy continues to grow as the population ages. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) devices have been thought of as those that provide clean and highly efficient energy. Membranes mediate efficient proton transfer from the anodic chamber to the cathodic chamber and play important roles in the rate of electrokinetic reactions. However, successful commercialization of MFC and long-term MFC operation require a fresh look at the challenges faced with the separator design. This chapter presents important membrane characteristics such as water uptake, proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity, pH splitting, membrane permeability, membrane biofouling, and membrane resistance that need to be examined to overcome drawbacks of MFC apparatus for scaling-up applications. Moreover, the chapter discusses different types of membranes used for MFCs, including ion-exchange membranes, porous membranes, ceramic membranes, polymer electrolyte membranes, and salt bridge. Finally, potential research directions of membrane designs are proposed.
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