Fabrication of Low-cost, green Material-Based Microbial Fuel Cell for bioelectricity production through textile wastewater remediation

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are upcoming sustainable technologies that can be used simultaneously to solve issues such as effluent treatment and/or waste management as well as produce bioelectricity using microbes. However, typically most of the MFCs that are presently being fabricated may or may not be using environmental-friendly materials, and/or economically feasible. In this study, a cost- effective, single-chambered MFC using eco-friendly materials has been fabricated - Stainless steel mesh as electrode; Terracotta Earthen pot as separating membrane between the anode and cathode; Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a non-toxic, biodegradable polymer, as the binder. Two compounds – Activated carbon and Manganese oxide, both known to be non-hazardous to the environment, were chosen to study as cathode catalysts. MFC with both Activated carbon and Manganese oxide as catalyst showed highest performance.