Abstract
This paper reports the design, fabrication, and testing of a microliter scale Microbial Fuel Cell (μMFC) based on silicon MEMS fabrication technology. μMFC systems are operated under different loads or open circuit to compare the effect of different acclimatization conditions on start-up time. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is preferred to be the biocatalyst. The internal resistance is calculated as 20 kΩ under these conditions. Acclimatization of μMFC under a finite load resulted in shorter start-up time (30 hours) when compared to the open load case. Power and current densities normalized to anode area are 2 μW/cm2 and 12 μA/cm2 respectively. When the load resistance value is closer to the internal resistance of the μMFC, higher power and current densities are achieved as expected, and it resulted in a shorter start-up time. Further studies focusing on the different acclimatization techniques for μMFC could pave the way to use μMFCs as fast and efficient portable power sources.
Highlights
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are defined as bioreactors that convert the energy in the chemical bonds of organic compounds into electrical energy through catalytic activity of microorganisms under anaerobic conditions [1,2,3]
Bacteria prefer to adhere to carbon-based materials but they are difficult to integrate in MEMS processes when compared to gold as an electrode material
A MEMS-based μMFC is demonstrated to operate with short start-up time in this study
Summary
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are defined as bioreactors that convert the energy in the chemical bonds of organic compounds into electrical energy through catalytic activity of microorganisms under anaerobic conditions [1,2,3]. The miniaturization of MFCs is necessary to be employed as portable power sources [7,8]. In this scope, MEMS technology is attractive for creating microscale microbial fuel cells (μMFC) due to the potential of miniaturization, economical mass production and large surface-area-to-volume ratio [9]. The power and current densities depend on the biofilm (complex structure adhering to surfaces and consisting of colonies of bacteria) and the type of electrode surface.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
