Abstract
A stack of two identical single chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was assessed during using fermentable house hold extract as substrate. The design of the MFC units was based on the single chamber membrane-less technology using four cathode electrodes. The total power output was 492 mW either in series or parallel connection considering a total anolyte volume of 240 cm3. During continuous operation, the COD removal was 80% for each cell and for both operation modes (series and parallel). The electrochemical profiles provided significant information on the behaviour of the stack. During continuous operation, parallel connection is preferred over series connection, as it results to the same power output values, and COD removal but it provides lower internal resistances leading to more stable electrochemical performance behaviour.
Highlights
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical devices which convert biomass spontaneously into electricity via the contribution of microorganisms [1, 2]
This study reports on the performance of a stack comprised of two identical MFC units
The COD removal was equal to 80% for both cells while the pH and the conductivity remained approximately constant during continuous operation
Summary
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical devices which convert biomass spontaneously into electricity via the contribution of microorganisms [1, 2]. The main challenge in the effort to render MFC technology practically implementable is to increase the relatively low power output, while keeping the cost low [3]. In this direction, several designs and different materials have been suggested [4, 5] Scale-up has been proposed either by increasing the size of the MFC [6] or by multiplying and stacking relatively small multiple MFC units [7]. This technique has become a valuable and in-depth understanding tool for phenomena occurring in individual MFC units as well as in MFC stacks [12, 13]
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