Low-Cost Microbial Fuel Cell Research Articles

Parametric Optimization and performance assessment of polyaniline graphene-impregnated electrode-based low-cost Microbial Fuel Cell using mixed culture obtained from Canteen wastewater

The development of a high-efficiency anode is essential for the use of microbial fuel cells. The metallic conductivity, corrosion resilience, low cost of conducting polyaniline (PANI) and recycled graphene (RGn) pique our interest. In this study, PANI-RGn nanoparticles are polymerized in situ on cotton fabric wrapped with aluminium mesh as the anode for a microbial fuel cell. The MFC was designed as a dual-chambered system and the chambers are separated by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) salt bridge using canteen wastewater. The process parameters including cathodic chamber aeration, nutrient dosage, nitrogen fluxing, stirring and anode geometry, were optimized. The potential difference (mV) and these systems' current (mA) performance have been analyzed. On the use of PANI-RGn carbon cloth as electrodes, the output voltage was found to be of the order of 180mV. The system developed herewith is highly cost-effective because of the use of graphene that has been generated from waste plastic through catalytic pyrolysis. Hence, the present study revealed that a potential green energy alternative is PANI-RGn in situ polymerized cotton fabric and circular aluminium-mesh electrode in anoxic MFC.

A low-cost microbial fuel cell based sensor for in-situ monitoring of dissolved oxygen for over half a year

In order to address the need for long-term, in-situ and inexpensive monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO), a chitin-carrying microbial fuel cell (MFC) based DO sensor was developed using sediment anolyte, which had an extremely low cost of US$12.17 and comparable performance to certain commercial sensors. The MFC based DO sensor had a long lifetime of over half a year with chitin as the fuel, attributed to the syntrophic interactions between fermentative and exoelectrogenic microbes that were well developed for chitin degradation in anaerobic condition with sediment filling in the anode chamber. The use of sediment anolyte introduced hindered diffusion in the porous media, enabling the use of glass fiber as the separator to replace the ion exchange membrane and thus resulting in a much lower cost. Field tests of this MFC based DO sensor were conducted in fresh and saline waters respectively. Excellent performance was achieved with average deviations of <4.5% to three commercial methods of fiber optic sensor (HQ40d, HACH company, USA), Clark type sensor (Pro20i, YSI company, USA) and iodometry. This low-cost MFC sensor also showed a high reliability, with the same response of current generation to different DO levels in random 17-times tests, indicating its great market potentials for in-situ DO monitoring.

Metal mixed biochar electrodes for the generation of electricity with high power density in microbial fuel cell

The current analysis points on the available resources of lessening the expense of electrodes and diminishing climate contamination utilizing waste materials. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) ability was evaluated by utilizing electrodes made from Biochar. For scaling up low cost MFC electrodes were modified by using less expensive materials like Biomass. Electrodes were made of Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co) extends blended in with groundnut shell wastes biochar materials after the carbonization process. Power output of electrodes were AC-Cu 173.20 mW m−2) and AC-Co 205.49 mW m−2). The open circuit potential of cobalt oxide modified electrodes showed 0.843 V. Our results showed that the activated groundnut shell wastes with AC-Co metal anode gives the greatest power yield. Subsequently, CS-Cu anodes are progressively suitable, have more prominent biocompatibility, viable and versatile for application in the microbial energy unit. Among these two proposed anodes, CS-Co electrode has a tremendous potential for most extreme performances and development a practical maintainable MFC.

Microbial fuel cell treatment energy-offset for fertilizer production from human urine

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for simultaneous wastewater treatment and the biological conversion of organics to electrical energy. Yet effective MFC utilization of complex waste streams like human urine is limited by interference from high-strength organics (>5000 mg L−1 total organic carbon) and concentrated macronutrients (>500 mg L−1 nitrogen and phosphorus). This research assesses potential gains in MFC energy performance and organics treatment achieved by incorporating MFCs as a tertiary step in a human urine nutrient recovery system. The bioelectrochemical performance of benchtop-scale, low-cost MFCs was assessed using pre-treated human urine that was depleted in ammonium-nitrogen and phosphate (the “waste bottoms” of the urine nutrient recovery system). Performance of MFCs with waste bottoms as feedstock was compared to MFC performance with hydrolyzed real urine and synthetic urine as feedstocks. MFCs with waste bottoms produced 16.2 ± 14.8 mW mCat−2 (2.14 ± 1.95 W mCat−3), equivalent to 93% of the mean power density achieved by hydrolyzed urine after 32 days of operation. Coulombic efficiency over the full experimental runtime was 32.3 ± 4.1% higher for waste bottoms than urine. Waste bottoms helped avoid fouling of the ceramic membrane separator that occurs with urea hydrolysis and phosphate precipitation from urine. Enhanced ion separation was also observed, producing neutral pH in the anolyte and high pH (11.5) and electrical conductivity (25 dS m−1) in the catholyte. While several gains in performance were observed when using waste bottoms as feedstock, anolyte organics removal decreased 36.5% in MFCs with waste bottoms. This research indicates that pretreatment of source-separated urine via nutrient removal improves MFC electrical power generation and ion separation.

A Low-Cost Microbial Fuel Cell Based Sensor for In-Situ Monitoring of Dissolved Oxygen for Over Half a Year

A Low-Cost Microbial Fuel Cell Based Sensor for In-Situ Monitoring of Dissolved Oxygen for Over Half a Year

Enhanced electrochemical performance in microbial fuel cell with carbon nanotube/NiCoAl-layered double hydroxide nanosheets as air-cathode

The ternary component NiCoAl-layered double hydroxide (NiCoAl-LDH) and carbon nanotube (CNT) nano-composite (CNT/NiCoAl-LDH) were successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The NiCoAl-LDH nanosheets were effectively and uniformly grown on CNTs, forming a cross-linked conductive network structure, and stainless steel (SS) mesh was used as the base to load CNT/NiCoAl-LDH for microbial fuel cell (MFC) cathode. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results presented that the CNT/NiCoAl-LDH hybrid exhibited the (003), (006), (012), (015), (018), (110) and (113) crystal planes of hydrotalcite reflection. The surface functional groups C-O, C=O, C-H, C-N and M-O of the hybrid were confirmed. The cross-linked network structure of the hybrid was observed and the content and proportion of each element of the hybrid were found. CNT/NiCoAl-LDH showed excellent catalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) ability by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear voltammetry (LSV) due to its abundant electrochemical active sites and excellent conductivity. The maximum output voltage of CNT/NiCoAl-LDH catalyst as MFC cathode was 450 mV, the maximum power density was 433.5 ± 14.8 mW/m2, and the maximum voltage stabilization time was 7–8 d. The results indicated that the CNT/NiCoAl-LDH hybrid was full potential as a high-performance, low-cost MFC cathode catalyst in future.

Bioelectricity Production from Blueberry Waste

Global warming and the increase in organic waste from agro-industries create a major problem for the environment. In this sense, microbial fuel cells (MFC) have great potential for the generation of bioelectricity by using organic waste as fuel. This research produced low-cost MFC by using zinc and copper electrodes and taking blueberry waste as fuel. A peak current and voltage of 1.130 ± 0.018 mA and 1.127 ± 0.096 V, respectively, were generated. The pH levels were acid, with peak conductivity values of 233. 94 ± 0.345 mS/cm and the degrees Brix were descending from the first day. The maximum power density was 3.155 ± 0.24 W/cm2 at 374.4 mA/cm2 current density, and Cándida boidinii was identified by means of molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques. This research gives a new way to generate electricity with this type of waste, generating added value for the companies in this area and helping to reduce global warming.

Low-Cost Single Chamber MFC Integrated With Novel Lignin-Based Carbon Fiber Felt Bioanode for Treatment of Recalcitrant Azo Dye

A flow through anaerobic microbial fuel cell (MFC) was designed and optimized for efficient treatment of recalcitrant textile wastewater. The membrane-less MFC was first time fabricated with a unique combination of electrodes, a novel bioanode of synthesized lignin-based electrospun carbon fiber supporting a biofilm ofGeobacter sulfurreducensfor acetate oxidation and an air-breathing cathode, consisting of a pyrolyzed macrocycle catalyst mixture on carbon bonded by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The effects of different organic loadings of acetate along with Acid Orange (AO5), operation time and ionic strength of auxiliary salts (conductivity enhancers) were investigated and responses in terms of polarization and degradation were studied. In addition, the decomposition of the organic species and the degradation of AO5 along with its metabolites and degraded products (2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid) were determined by chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (UV-HPLC) techniques. SEM and TEM images were also used to find out the biocompatibility of the microbes on lignin-based electrospun carbon felt anode and the morphology of the cathode. Reduction and breakage of the azo bond of AO5 occurs presumably as a side reaction, resulting in the formation of 2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid and unidentified aromatic amines. Maximum current density of anode 0.59 Am−2and power density of 0.12 Wm−2were obtained under optimized conditions. As a result, decolouration of AO5 and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was 81 and 58%, respectively. These results revealed that the low-cost MFC assembly can offer significant potential for anaerobic decolouration of recalcitrant textile wastewater.

Application of clayware ceramic separator modified with silica in microbial fuel cell for bioelectricity generation during rice mill wastewater treatment.

Ceramic separators have recently been investigated as low-cost, robust, and sustainable separators for application in microbial fuel cells (MFC). In the present study, an attempt was made to develop a low-cost MFC employing a clayware ceramic separator modified with silica. The properties of separators with varying silica content (10%-40% w/w) were evaluated in terms of oxygen and proton diffusion. The membrane containing 30% silica exhibited improved performance compared to the unmodified membrane. Two identical MFCs, fabricated using ceramic separators with 30% silica content (MFCS-30) and without silica (MFCC), were operated at hydraulic retention time of 12 h with real rice mill wastewater with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 3,200 ± 50 mg/L. The maximum volumetric power density of 791.72 mW/m3 and coulombic efficiency of 35.77% was obtained in MFCS-30, which was 60.4% and 48.5%, respectively, higher than that of MFCC. The maximum COD and phenol removal efficiency of 76.2% and 58.2%, respectively, were obtained in MFCS-30. MFC fabricated with modified ceramic separator demonstrated higher power generation and pollutant removal. The presence of hygroscopic silica in the ceramic separator improved its performance in terms of hydration properties and proton transport.

Comprehensive characterization of a cost-effective microbial fuel cell with Pt-free catalyst cathode and slip-casted ceramic membrane

This work reports a new procedure for low-cost Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) manufacture, based on the optimization of the most expensive MFC components: separator and cathode. For the first time, tubular MFC clay separators were fabricated by slip-casting, which allowed to reach the lowest thickness reported to date (1.55 mm), with a minimum cost (0.43 €·m−2). On the other hand, a novel cathode was fabricated by using commercial CuO based catalyst and Carbon Mesh (CM). The new cathode showed a power density of 110 mW m−2, more than 40% higher than other Cu based cathodes for Ceramic-MFCs (C-MFCs) studied in the literature. The proposed cell was operated for more than 6 months, with a power reduction of 29.4%, contrasting with Pt-cathodes (deactivation of almost 50% during the first month). A deep economic analysis showed a cost of 0.51 €/cell when energetic optimization and a semi-industrial production were considered, one of the lowest for C-MFCs ever reported.

Energy recovery efficiency of Low Cost Microbial Fuel Cell using Domestic Wastewater

Microbial fuel cell is one of the emerging technologies which utilize wastewater to generate electricity with the help of action of microorganisms. The real interest in microbial fuel cells has tremendously grown in recent years. It converts chemical reaction into electrical energy and helps in the recovery of energy from wastewater. The main objective of this study was to enhance the electricity production and simultaneously treat the wastewater. The lab scale model consists of double chamber microbial fuel cell, i.e., two separate chambers one with salt water and the other with wastewater representing anode and cathode, a salt bridge acting as proton exchange membrane; electrodes from batteries are used for this study. In this, the proton exchange and electron transfer occurs after the redox reaction. The microbes in the sludge or wastewater are responsible for the release of electrons. These electrons tend to move through the external circuit, producing electricity. For maintaining electrical neutrality salt bridge is used. The dual chamber microbial fuel cell used in this experiment produced an average voltage of 0.37mv for a wastewater volume of one liter. This set up is done on small scale, but with further and more detailed study it can be installed in industries that produce Microbial Waste water as a by-product to generate electricity and reuse the waste water for other processes after treatment.

Low Level Electricity Production and COD Removal in Wastewater Using a Dual Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell with Pseudomonas Fluorescens as Biocatalyst

Urbanization intensifies global energy crisis and contributes largely to environmental pollution. The use of microbial fuel cell (MFC) helps in addressing both problems. This study aims to construct a low-cost MFC which simultaneously produce low level electricity and has the capacity to lower chemical oxygen demand in wastewater. The MFC used various carbon sources and copper wire as electrodes. Variation in voltages were observed using various carbon sources in solution. The microbial fuel cell utilizing P. fluorescens was able to produce voltage of more than 800 mV in fermented rice and more than 1000mV for both sewage sludge and kitchen sink wastewater substrates. It was also observed that the COD reduction was seen in different types of wastewater.

Agricultural Wastes For Electricity Generation Using Microbial Fuel Cells

Background:Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are promising devices that enable the employment of discarded organic matter, typically gathered around food supply chains, to generate electricity.Aims:In this work, low-cost MFCs in the absence of a proton exchange membrane were fabricated.Methods:They were built on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic tubes with square acrylic sheets at the ends serving as a framework of anode/cathode chambers and using zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) metals as electrodes. Tomatoes, onions, and potatoes were used as substrates in MFCs and monitored for 21 days. Variables of interest such as voltage, current, pH, and volume were measured through a 100 Ω resistor.Results:The voltage measurements for the onion-based cell showed an upward trend that reaches a peak of 1.01 volts on the last day. Moreover, the greatest current generation was observed in onion cells, in which the current gradually increases from 10.2 to 24.7 mA on the last day. On the other hand, in all substrates, pH ranged from 7.5 and 10, which indicates the slightly alkaline behavior of the solutions.Conclusion:A reduction in the volume of the substrate was observed during the voltage generation. Finally, during the last day, MFCs were connected in series which allowed for the successful generation of 2.35 volts, and consequently, illumination of LED light.

Evaluating the Effect of the Antibiotic Ampicillin on Performance of a Low-Cost Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract The release of untreated or partially treated pharmaceutical wastewater into water bodies has become a serious concern these days as the drugs and their intermediates present affect living...

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cassava Wastewater Treatment in a Low Cost Microbial Fuel Cell

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cassava Wastewater Treatment in a Low Cost Microbial Fuel Cell

Greywater Treatment with Simultaneous Generation of Energy Using Low-Cost Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an emerging type of biological wastewater treatment units with simultaneous power generation. The present study demonstrates an effective treatment of greywater and generation of electricity in a double-chambered MFC. This MFC was fabricated using cost-effective and easily available materials replacing expensive materials like Nafion membranes, graphite electrodes, etc. Experimental results showed a maximum open circuit voltage of 0.64 ± 0.04 V and 114 ± 1.41 mA current during the study period. The results further indicate a maximum power generation of 24.50 mW along with 307.69 mW/m² of power density; 34.62 mA/m² of current density, 1.33 W/m³ of volumetric power density, 0.15 A/m³ of volumetric current density and a power yield of 0.40 mW /kg of COD removal. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was 77.6 %. The use of low-cost and easily available raw materials has brought down the total manufacturing cost of MFCs used in this study to less than USD 4.0. However, the performance of the MFCs used in the current study is comparable with other sophisticated MFCs built with expensive raw materials reported in the literature. This cost-effective MFC used in the present study might be an effective replacement of expensive MFCs for wastewater treatment at scaled-up levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.71.3.11482

Controlled modification of carbon nanotubes and polyaniline on macroporous graphite felt for high-performance microbial fuel cell anode

Polyaniline (PANI) was electropolymerized on the surface of macroporous graphite felt (GF) followed by the electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The as-prepared macroporous material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle goniometry and electrochemical techniques. Upon the modification of PANI, a rough and nano-cilia containing film is coated on the surface of the graphite fibers, transforming the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The subsequent modification by CNTs increases the effective surface area and electrical conductivity of the resulting material. The power output of a mediator-free dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) constructed from the GF anode and an exoelectrogen Shewanella putrefaciens increases drastically with the CNT modification. The CNT/PANI/GF MFC attains an output voltage of 342 mV across an external resistor of 1.96 kΩ constant load, and a maximum power density of 257 mW m−2, increased by 343% and 186%, compared to that of the pristine GF MFC and the PANI/GF MFC, respectively. More bacteria are attached on the CNT/PANI/GF anode than on the PANI/GF anode during the working of the MFC. This strategy provides an easy scale-up, simple and controllable method for the preparation of high-performance and low-cost MFC anodes.

Performance Evaluation of a Low-Cost Microbial Fuel Cell Using Municipal Wastewater

A low-cost microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a brush-shaped anode was constructed with low-cost materials and operated in a fed-batch mode using wastewater as a substrate. The operational performance of the MFC was evaluated considering the organic matter removal, coulombic efficiencies, and current and power densities. Its relative performance to cost was evaluated considering a MFC with platinum/carbon cathode. It was observed that the organic matter removal efficiency was up to 80 % and the coulombic efficiencies varied from 3.5 to 5.7 %. Maximum average voltages and power and current densities of 207 ± 30 mV, 9.2 ± 2.4 mW m−2, and 56.8 ± 14.9 mA m−2 were obtained, respectively. It was observed that the low-cost MFC produced higher power and current densities per dollar when compared to a MFC using platinum-catalyzed electrode.

Progress in Microbial Fuel Cells Energy Production

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) harness the natural metabolisms of microbes to produce electrical power from almost any kind of organic matter. In addition to the low power densities (about 1mW for a 1-liter reactor), MFCs are presently built with expensive membrane and electrodes. The payback time of MFCs is therefore very long (evaluated to 25000 years for our lab prototype). Progresses in designing low-cost MFCs are necessary before conceiving large scale energy production.