Directions of membrane separator development for microbial fuel cells: A retrospective analysis using frequent itemset mining and descriptive statistical approach

Abstract

To increase the efficiency of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), the separator (which is mostly a membrane) placed between the electrodes or their compartments is considered of high importance besides several other biotic and abiotic factors (e.g. configuration, mode of operation, types of inoculum and substrate). Nafion-based proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are the most widespread, although these materials are often criticized on various technological and economical grounds. Therefore, to find alternatives of Nafion, the synthesis, development and testing of novel/commercialized membrane separators with enhanced characteristics have been hot topics. In this study, the goals were to assess the membrane-installed MFCs in a retrospective manner and reveal the trends, the applied practices, frequent setups, etc. via Bayesian classification and frequent itemset mining algorithms. Thereafter, a separate discussion was devoted to examine the current standing of research related to major membrane groups used in MFCs and evaluate in accordance with the big picture how the various systems behave in comparison with each other, especially compared to those applying Nafion PEM. It was concluded that some membrane types seem to be competitive to Nafion, however, the standardization of the experiments would drive the more unambiguous comparison of studies.