Techniques for obtaining and mathematical modeling of polarization curves in microbial fuel cells

Abstract

Over the past years the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) has significantly improved. However it is still necessary to increase the efficiency in order to make their scaling-up viable. Obtaining polarization curves (PCs) is considered a widely accepted methodology to characterize the electrical efficiency of MFCs. Through PCs it is possible to identify the main potential losses that limit the system, as well as irreversibilities of energy production, so that better operational and constructive conditions can be proposed. This work reviews techniques for obtaining PCs from MFCs, as well as for the interpretation of these curves. It also provides a discussion about the mathematical modeling strategies of PCs as a methodology for obtaining insights into electrochemical phenomena and their effects on MFCs performance. Thus, this study seeks to contribute to the discussion on MFCs characterization for the improvement of these devices and regarding the establishment of better conditions for reproducibility and comparison of polarization data. Furthermore, it hopes to serve as a reference for researchers who want to perform, interpret and model PCs from their own MFC systems.