Evaluation and optimization of the Zn-based microfluidic microbial fuel cells to power various electronic devices

Abstract

As an actual application, Zn-based microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were investigated based on microchannel length and substrate flow rate in a straight geometry to power a variety of electronic devices. According to the statistical analysis based on response surface methodology (RSM), these parameters and their interactions are significant contributors to the system power generation. Based on the RSM, the optimum condition was determined to maximize the generated power density. A single optimized microfluidic MFC cell produced an open circuit potential (OCP) of 1.295 V and an output power density and current density of 21111 W m-3 and 140000 A m-3, respectively. In terms of bioelectrical characteristics, these are the highest values yet achieved by microfluidic MFCs. Several series and parallel configurations of the optimized cells were tested to demonstrate that they can provide sufficient power to a mechanical desktop clock, a digital alarm clock thermometer, and a coreless motor without using voltage or current boosters.