Microbial Fuel Cell Technology Research Articles

Horizontally structured microbial fuel cells in yarns and woven fabrics for wearable bioenergy harvesting

Integration of advanced microbial fuel cell technology with conventional textile processes enables the emergence of wearable bioenergy harvesting techniques fueled by human sweat. However, without a standardized architecture for the fabrication of textile microbial fuel cells, large-scale energy harvesting from the human body with smart textiles remains elusive. In this work, a revolutionary device structure for wearable microbial fuel cells is easily built up on 1-D yarns and on 2-D and 3-D woven fabrics. The microbial fuel cell is horizontally structured on an intrinsic non-conductive yarn where the anodic and the cathodic components are formed between the pristine regions of the yarn as an ion exchange channel. The horizontally structured device in the 1-D yarn is easily scaled up to produce more power by connecting multiple yarn devices in series and parallel. The concept of the horizontally structured microbial fuel cell is extended to 2-D and 3-D wearable textiles by weaving functional yarns. The 1-D yarn device inoculated with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 produced a maximum power of 452 μA/cm3 and a current density of 47.2 μW/cm3, which are greater than other flexible microbial fuel cells. The 2-D/3-D fabric-based devices improved the output performance enough to power an electrical calculator.

Correction to Co-Generation System of Bioethanol and Electricity with Microbial Fuel Cell Technology

Correction to Co-Generation System of Bioethanol and Electricity with Microbial Fuel Cell Technology

Microbial Structure and Energy Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells Powered with Waste Anaerobic Digestate

Development of economical and environment-friendly Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) technology should be associated with waste management. However, current knowledge regarding microbiological bases of electricity production from complex waste substrates is insufficient. In the following study, microbial composition and electricity generation were investigated in MFCs powered with waste volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from anaerobic digestion of primary sludge. Two anode sizes were tested, resulting in organic loading rates (OLRs) of 69.12 and 36.21 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/(g MLSS∙d) in MFC1 and MFC2, respectively. Time of MFC operation affected the microbial structure and the use of waste VFAs promoted microbial diversity. High abundance of Deftia sp. and Methanobacterium sp. characterized start-up period in MFCs. During stable operation, higher OLR in MFC1 favored growth of exoelectrogens from Rhodopseudomonas sp. (13.2%) resulting in a higher and more stable electricity production in comparison with MFC2. At a lower OLR in MFC2, the percentage of exoelectrogens in biomass decreased, while the abundance of genera Leucobacter, Frigoribacterium and Phenylobacterium increased. In turn, this efficiently decomposed complex organic substances, favoring high and stable COD removal (over 85%). Independent of the anode size, Clostridium sp. and exoelectrogens belonging to genera Desulfobulbus and Acinetobacter were abundant in MFCs powered with waste VFAs.

Development and Status of the Treatment Technology for Acid Mine Drainage

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is difficult to treat due to its physicochemical characteristics, such as high pH and high heavy metal concentrations, so it causes great harm to the environment and human health. If acid mine drainage is discharged arbitrarily without treatment, it will lead to a series of environmental problems and cause long-term environmental pollution. In this paper, the source and hazards of acid mine drainage are introduced in detail. And the principle, the mechanism, the application, and basic information of the current primary technology of the treatment for acid mine drainage are comprehensively introduced and summarized. The summarized treatment technologies for acid mine drainage mainly include neutralization, sulfidization, constructed wetland method, adsorption method, microbiological method, ion exchange method, membrane technology, and microbial fuel cell technology. Also, the primary technology of treatment for acid mine drainage is systematically compared and evaluated. Moreover, some suggestions on the development direction of water treatment technology in the future are put forward. This paper provides a scientific reference for scientific and technical works to treat acid mine drainage.

Producing renewable electric energy through a microbial fuel cell in the rice field

Abstract. Nugraha HW, Djajakirana G, Anwar S, Santosa DA. 2020. Producing renewable electric energy through a microbial fuel cell in the rice field. Biodiversitas 21: 4139-4146. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is an alternative technology that converts chemical energy into electrical energy using microbes. This study aimed to apply MFC technology in the rice field to produce renewable electricity by utilizing microbes that have been previously isolated. The study was conducted in two experiments. The first experiment was carried out to select MFC prototypes with different in the oxygen circulation system (anode and cathode holes) that capable of producing the highest Voltage. The second experiment was performed to test the selected MFC prototype for electricity production in 12 combination treatments of microbes, organic matter, and fertilization (mixed NPK fertilizer) with three replications on rice cultivation in a greenhouse. The results showed that the best MFC prototype was a prototype that has two holes, each at anode and cathode (MFC 2). The highest electrical Voltage was generated by the treatment with microbes and organic matter, without fertilizer. The treatments produced the highest electrical current was the addition of microbes, organic matter, without and with 50% fertilizer. The highest power density was generated by the treatment with microbes and organic matter, without fertilization. The addition of ex-situ isolated microbes significantly increased the production of electricity.

Turning harmful algal biomass to electricity by microbial fuel cell: A sustainable approach for waste management

Effective utilization of harmful algal biomass from eutrophic lakes is required for sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy. In this study, Microcystis aeruginosa derived biomass served as an electron donor in the microbial fuel cell (MFC) for waste treatment and electricity generation. Bioelectrochemical performance of MFC fed with microalgae (MFC-Algae) was compared with MFC fed with a commercial substrate (MFC-Acetate). Complete removal of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency (67.5 ± 1%) in MFC-Algae showed that harmful algal biomass could be converted into bioelectricity. Polarization curves revealed that MFC-Algae delivered the maximum power density (83 mW/m2) and current density (672 mA/m2), which was 43% and 45% higher than that of MFC-Acetate respectively. Improved electrochemical performance and substantial coulombic efficiency (7.6%) also verified the potential use of harmful algal biomass as an alternate MFC substrate. Diverse microbial community profiles showed the substrate-dependent electrogenic activities in each MFC. Biodegradation pathway of MC-LR by anodic microbes was also explored in detail. Briefly, a sustainable approach for on-site waste management of harmful algal biomass was presented, which was deprived of transportation and special pretreatments. It is anticipated that current findings will help to pave the way for practical applications of MFC technology.

Developing 3D-Printable Cathode Electrode for Monolithically Printed Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs).

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) employ microbial electroactive species to convert chemical energy stored in organic matter, into electricity. The properties of MFCs have made the technology attractive for bioenergy production. However, a challenge to the mass production of MFCs is the time-consuming assembly process, which could perhaps be overcome using additive manufacturing (AM) processes. AM or 3D-printing has played an increasingly important role in advancing MFC technology, by substituting essential structural components with 3D-printed parts. This was precisely the line of work in the EVOBLISS project, which investigated materials that can be extruded from the EVOBOT platform for a monolithically printed MFC. The development of such inexpensive, eco-friendly, printable electrode material is described below. The electrode in examination (PTFE_FREE_AC), is a cathode made of alginate and activated carbon, and was tested against an off-the-shelf sintered carbon (AC_BLOCK) and a widely used activated carbon electrode (PTFE_AC). The results showed that the MFCs using PTFE_FREE_AC cathodes performed better compared to the PTFE_AC or AC_BLOCK, producing maximum power levels of 286 μW, 98 μW and 85 μW, respectively. In conclusion, this experiment demonstrated the development of an air-dried, extrudable (3D-printed) electrode material successfully incorporated in an MFC system and acting as a cathode electrode.

Microbial fuel cells for bioelectricity generation through reduction of hexavalent chromium in wastewater: A review

The study proposes the use of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology to reduce toxic Cr(VI) present in industrial wastewater to less toxic trivalent chromium [Cr(III)], while generating electricity through a bioelectrochemical oxidation-reduction process. Factors influencing the treatment process and electricity generation include the concentration of Cr(VI) in wastewater, substrate types used for anodes, types of microorganisms involved, types of cathode and anode, surface area of the cathode and anode, and pH and temperature of cathodic and anodic solutions. While other heavy metals in wastewater may be removed by MFC technology, Cr(VI) removal is more efficient in terms of electricity generation. Previous research indicated that the maximum electrical power generated by Cr(VI) removal through the use of MFCs is 1600 mW/m2, which is expected to increase as the factors affecting this process are optimized. Based on current data, MFC-based electricity generation along with Cr(VI) removal is a potential future source of sustainable energy. However, research priorities need to focus on reducing the cost of MFC technology by using economical and effective materials and increasing electricity production.

From the lab to the field: Self-stratifying microbial fuel cells stacks directly powering lights

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology relies on energy storage and harvesting circuitry to deliver stable power outputs. This increases costs, and for wider deployment into society, these should be kept minimal. The present study reports how a MFC system was developed to continuously power public toilet lighting, with for the first time no energy storage nor harvesting circuitry. Two different stacks, one consisting of 15 and the other 18 membrane-less MFC modules, were operated for 6 days and fuelled by the urine of festival goers at the 2019 Glastonbury Music Festival. The 15-module stack was directly connected to 2 spotlights each comprising 6 LEDs. The 18-module stack was connected to 2 identical LED spotlights but going through 2 LED electronic controller/drivers. Twenty hours after inoculation the stacks were able to directly power the bespoke lighting system. The electrical energy produced by the 15-module stack evolved with usage from ≈280 mW (≈2.650 V at ≈105 mA) at the beginning to ≈860 mW (≈2.750 V at ≈300 mA) by the end of the festival. The electrical energy produced by the LED-driven 18-module stack increased from ≈490 mW at the beginning to ≈680 mW toward the end of the festival. During this period, illumination was above the legal standards for outdoor public areas, with the 15-module stack reaching a maximum of ≈89 Lx at 220 cm. These results demonstrate for the first time that the MFC technology can be deployed as a direct energy source in decentralised area (e.g. refugee camps).

APLIKASI TEKNOLOGI MICROBIAL FUEL CELL (MFC) UNTUK MENENTUKAN ENERGI LISTRIK SUBSTRAT BATANG SAGU (METROXYLON)

This study aims to determine how much electrical energy or power density produced from the sago stem substrate using Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology without the addition of electrolytes by adding KMnO4 and K3Fe (CN) 6 as an electrolyte solution. From the measurement results, it is obtained that the sago stem substrate sample has electrical potential or power density (mW/m2). The large power density (mW/m2) produced from the sago stem substrate using lactobacillus p lantarum bacteria without the addition of an electrolyte solution was obtained at 50,082 mW/m2. For samples with the addition of 0.2 M KMnO4 and potassium phosphate buffer with pH 7, a power density value of 91,082 mW/m2 was obtained and the addition of K3Fe (CN) 6 0.2 M and sodium phosphate buffer with pH 7 obtained a power density value of 27,287 mW/m2.

Microfluidic microbial fuel cells: Recent advancements and future prospects

Over the years, there has been a substantial increase in the demands of a portable, green source of energy for powering microelectronics to be used as sensors, medical implants and other lab-on-chip devices. Microfluidic microbial fuel cells have been identified as a genuine option to address these requirements. These cells operating at microscale level are characterised by laminar flow of fuel and oxidant which eradicates the requirement of a membrane ensuring higher performance and improved reaction rates than conventional fuel cells. Owing to these advantages, microsized microbial fuel cells have been extensively used to design micro power sources for environmental biosensors, point-of-care diagnostics, medical implants. However, the microfluidic microbial fuel cell technology suffers from some noteworthy disadvantages which need to be addressed before the commercialization of technology. The review comprehensively discusses the development, and advancements in microfluidic microbial fuel cell technology followed by their current applications, challenges, the possible solutions and future prospects.

Diffusion-layer-free air cathode based on ionic conductive hydrogel for microbial fuel cells

High hydraulic pressure in air-cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can lead to severe cathodic water leakage and power reduction, thereby hindering the practical applications of MFCs. In this study, an alternative air cathode without a diffusion layer was developed using a cross-linked hydrogel, oxidized konjac glucomannan/2-hydroxypropytrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (OKH), for ion bridging. The cathode was placed horizontally to avoid hydraulic pressure on its surface. Ion transportation was sustained with a minimal OKH hydrogel loading of 10 mg/cm2. A maximum power density of 1.0 ± 0.04 W/m2 was achieved, which was only slightly lower than the 1.28 ± 0.02 W/m2 of common air cathodes. Moreover, the cost of the OKH hydrogel is only $0.12/m2, which can reduce ~85% of the cathode cost without using the advanced polyvinylidene fluoride diffusion layer. Therefore, the development of this new diffusion-layer-free air cathode using conductive ionic hydrogel provides a low-cost strategy for stable MFC operation, thereby demonstrating great potential for practical applications of MFC technology.

Fabrication of Electricity from Wastewater by Utilizing Microbial Fuel Cells: A Review

Bioelectricity is the electric current produced by anaerobic ingestion of organic substrate by microorganism. A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a appliance that transforms energy discharged outcome of oxidation of complicated natural carbon sources that area unit used as substrates by microorganisms to provide voltage thus demonstrating to be associate proficient ways that of viable energy production. The electrons released because of the microbial breakdown is seized to keep up ruthless potential density while not an efficient carbon discharge within system. Usage of microorganisms toward bioremediation is similar to the consequence as of the generation of electricity creates the MFC technology a very beneficial plan which could be smeared in varied segment of industries and agricultural wastes. Although the influences of MFCs in generation of electricity was initially low, modern development within the style elements and dealing has increased ability yield to a major step thus permit application of MFCs in varied sectors as well as waste material ministrations and biodepollution. The accompanying review gives a top-level view concerning the parts, operating, alteration and purpose of MFC technology for numerous analysis and industrial application.

Aspects of Bioeconomy and Microbial Fuel Cell Technologies for Sustainable Development

Biomass utilization is expected to play a crucial role in sustainable development by addressing issues related to food security, climate change, and resource utilization. In this context, bioeconom...

Microbial Fuel Cell for Electrical Power Generation from Waste Water

In the last decades, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) has increased great opportunity as an alternative energy source through electrochemical process for producing bio-energy. MFC has been involved in anode and cathode for electric energy generation from organic ingredients such as bacteria in waste water treatment. In this review, we discussed the different types of MFC (anode and cathode) materials with various integrations. In addition, it includes the gainful, biocompatible and exceedingly constant electrode materials with enhanced microbial fuel cell performance. Following this review, expansion in membrane materials such as hydrocarbon polymer, perfluorinated polymer, organic-organic hybrid polymer, ceramics, organic-inorganic hybrid composite, and biopolymer membranes are clarified in detail. In this paper, also highlighted the application of MFC technology and the methods used in the MFC in electricity production.

Co-Generation System of Bioethanol and Electricity with Microbial Fuel Cell Technology

A co-generation system of bioethanol and electricity using a yeast microbial fuel cell was investigated. The co-generation system was found to have a high power output (5.2 ± 0.5 W/m3) and high eth...

ENHANCED POWER GENERATION FROM PLANTS PLANT-E TECHNOLOGY USING HIGH VOLTAGE GAIN DC-DC CONVERTER TOPOLOGY

demands of electricity. In this paper, the Plant Power concept is based on the living plants in plant microbial fuel cell technology (P-MFC technology) along with bacteria to produce in-situ electricity. Here the plant excretes the organic matter and is broken down by microorganisms in the soil. In this breakdown process, electrons are released. By using this released electron it is possible to harvest them by inserting electrodes and turn them into electricity, without affecting the plant's growth in any way. The aim of the paper is to enhance the renewable electricity by using high voltage gain DC-DC boost converter topology. This configuration includes a single switch, two hybrid voltage multiplier cells and a closed loop three winding coupled inductor. The voltage gain of the converter is enhanced by using its two secondary windings of the coupled inductor, which decreases the stress of power components to deliver a constant dc output voltage.

Wood-Based Panel Industry Wastewater Meets Microbial Fuel Cell Technology.

Although the wood-based panel industry is not considered to be a water-consuming sector, it generates ca. 600 M m3 of wastewater every year on a global scale. The wastewater is usually highly polluted and environmentally toxic even after dilution. Common wastewater treatment techniques require high-energy input or addition of various chemicals to the treated wastewater, which cause secondary pollution and production of toxic sludge. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have become an attractive technology, allowing for zero-energy treatment of various types of wastewater with simultaneous production of electric current. Recent investigations have shown that MFCs can also be utilized for sustainable treatment and energy production from the wastewater generated by the wood-based panel industry. This article contains a critical summary of the investigations in this field as well as a discussion of the research needed and perspectives for the future.

On the evaluation of filtered and pretreated cheese whey as an electron donor in a single chamber microbial fuel cell

In the present study, the valorization of cheese whey (CW) as an electron donor in an air-cathode single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was studied. Filter-sterilized raw and pretreated-acidified diluted CW (after 48 h of fermentation at mesophilic temperature) were used as substrates, in order to investigate the effect of the two different handlings on the MFC performance. The pretreatment-acidification experiments were performed under different operational conditions (initial dilutions giving chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations of 2 and 4 g/L as well as initial pH adjusted to 6.7 and without pH adjustment) in order to obtain maximum acidification efficiency and energy recovery, in the form of hydrogen. The effect of organic load on the efficiency of the MFC was studied, aiming at exploring the possibility of achieving a successful operation at the highest possible initial concentration of CW (smallest dilution). The experimental results showed that CW is a suitable and promising substrate for electricity production using MFC, with a maximum power density of 3.26 W/m3 (0.33 MJ/kg COD) for filter-sterilized CW diluted to an initial concentration of 0.8 g COD/L. Combining MFC technology with the pretreatment/acidification process, during which hydrogen is also produced, a total energy of 2.37 MJ/kg COD could be recovered.

Microbial fuel cell system: a promising technology for pollutant removal and environmental remediation.

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) system is a promising environmental remediation technology due to its simple compact design, low cost, and renewable energy producing. MFCs can convert chemical energy from waste matters to electrical energy, which provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for pollutant degradations. In this review, we attempt to gather research progress of MFC technology in pollutant removal and environmental remediation. The main configurations and pollutant removal mechanism by MFCs are introduced. The research progress of MFC systems in pollutant removal and environmental remediation, including wastewater treatment, soil remediation, natural water and groundwater remediation, sludge and solid waste treatment, and greenhouse gas emission control, as well as the application of MFCs in environmental monitoring have been reviewed. Subsequently, the application of MFCs in environmental monitoring and the combination of MFCs with other technologies are described. Finally, the current limitations and potential future research has been demonstrated in this review.