Plant Microbial Fuel Cell Research Articles

Effect of Three Different Types of Biochar on Bioelectricity Generated from Plant Microbial Fuel Cells under Unsaturated Soil Condition.

Plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) is an emerging technology, showing promise for environmental biosensors and sustainable energy production. Despite its potential, PMFCs struggle with issues like low power output and limited drought resistance. Recent studies proposed that integrating biochar may enhance PMFC performance due to its physicochemical properties. The influence of different biochar types on PMFC efficiency has been minimally explored. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the performance of PMFCs integrated with various biochar types under unsaturated soil conditions. The study found that the addition of biochar types─specifically reed straw biochar (RSB), apple wood biochar (AWB), and corn straw biochar (CSB)─significantly influenced the performance of PMFCs. RSB, with its large surface area and porous structure, notably increased the current output by reducing soil resistance and enhancing electron transfer efficiency in microbial reduction reactions, achieving a peak power density of approximately 1608 mW/m2. AWB, despite its less porous structure, leveraged its high cation exchange capacity and hydrophilic functional groups to foster microbial community growth and diversity, thereby also increasing bioelectricity output. Conversely, CSB, with its large surface area, showed the least improvement in PMFC performance due to its layered structure and lower water retention capacity. Additionally, under drought conditions, PMFCs with added RSB and AWB exhibited better drought resistance due to their ability to improve soil moisture characteristics and enhance soil conductivity. The addition of biochar reduced soil resistance, increasing the bioelectric output of PMFCs and maintaining good performance even under low moisture conditions. This study highlights the critical role of biochar's surface area and functional groups in optimizing PMFC performance. It enhances our understanding of PMFC optimization and might offer a novel power generation method for the future, while also presenting a fresh strategy for soil monitoring.

Plant Microbial Fuel Cells: Energy Sources and Biosensors for battery-Free Smart Agriculture

Plant Microbial Fuel Cells: Energy Sources and Biosensors for battery-Free Smart Agriculture

Enhance Soil Remediation and Power Generation Capabilities of Plant Microbial Fuel Cells through PANI-CeO2 Modified Anode

Enhance Soil Remediation and Power Generation Capabilities of Plant Microbial Fuel Cells through PANI-CeO2 Modified Anode

Stacking and design optimization of novel plant microbial fuel cell based on dwarf indoor decorative and culinary plants as a compact biobattery for a low energy consumption devices

This article presents the development of a novel compact plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) constructed with discarded food packagings as a stand-alone power supply for low-power devices suitable for indoor use in real time. A two-modular PMFC with 0.6 L-capacity units with multi-electrode system, connected in parallel inside and joined in series outside, provided power for a 1.5 V, 4.3–105.2 mkA digital thermometer/hygrometer, and a three-modular PMFC ensured operation of a 3 V, 10.1–36.4 mkA weather station or LEDs during the year of the experiment. PMFC with a shortened (1 cm) electrode distance and increased cathode surface area (cathode:anode ratio 1.5:1) using H. soleirolii were characterized by higher bioelectricity output. The maximal current and power density were 407 mA/m2 and 188.33 mW/m2, respectively. Stacking of PMFC modules by combining parallel-series connection with reduction of the interelectrode distance and adjusting the electrodes area is a promising way to improve bioelectricity output for development of compact biobatteries.

The Ability of the Raccoon Tail Water Plant (Ceratophyllum demersum) as a Biocathode in the Plant-Microbial Fuel Cell System

Plant-Microbial Fuel Cell (P-MFC) is a green technology because it uses a biocathode in the cathode compartment and also uses microorganisms to break down the chemical energy of organic matter into electrical energy. In this research, molasses and Saccharomyces cereviceae were used as substrates and Ceratophyllum demersum as a biocathode in the cathode compartment. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential variation in plant weight of C. demersum as a biocathode in the P-MFC system. The results of this study indicated that the maximum current at the biocathode was at a weight of 70 g, namely 0.180 mA with a power density value of 13.664 mW.m-2 and the maximum potential difference at the biocathode was at a weight of 40 g, which as 0.310 mV with a power density value of 30.787 mW.m-2. Therefore, coontail water plant has the potential as biocathode.

Enhancing bioelectricity generation and mitigating methane emissions in paddy fields: A novel approach using activated biochar in plant microbial fuel cells

In the innovative realm of green energy solutions, plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) have emerged as a promising frontier, embodying a greener technological approach. However, PMFC is not yet viable for large-scale application due to its low voltage generation. This study explores the integration of PMFC technology in paddy field, using activated biochar as electrode material to enhance voltage production while reducing methane emission. According to the findings, rice PMFCs equipped with activated biochar achieved the highest power density, reaching an impressive 106.67 mW m−2 of anode area, significantly outperforming SMFCs, which peaked at 38.28 mW m−2 when integrated with a biochar anode. Additionally, rice-PMFCs emitted 38 % less methane than the normal rice plant, while the reduction was 27.1 % for rice plants equipped with activated biochar, with no significant change in plant yield observed. Furthermore, PMFCs reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 70 % and 67 % compared to traditional coal and natural gas-based power plants, respectively. In summary, activated biochar shows promise as a potent alternative to traditional graphite electrodes in PMFCs.

Preparation of PANI-SA/CF anode to enhance the remediation and power generation capabilities of plant microbial fuel cells for chromium contaminated soil.

Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) has important value for soil remediation and power generation. To improve the performance of PMFCs, a PMFC experimental system was established based on potted scindapsus aureus. Polyaniline (PANI) and sodium alginate (SA) were used as modifiers to prepare PANI-SA modified carbon felt anode. The soil remediation ability and electricity generation ability of PMFCs with four different anodes were compared and analyzed. The experimental results show that the steady-state voltage, the removal rate of hexavalent chromium, and the total chromium removal rate of PMFC using PANI-SA modified anode were 5.25mV, 98%, and 90%, respectively, which are 253%, 10.4%, and 10% higher than those of PMFCs using unmodified carbon felt anode. PMFC is effective and feasible for removing soil chromium pollution and achieving efficient soil remediation, while modifying anodes with PANI-SA can further improve the soil remediation and electricity generation capabilities of PMFC.

Design and Electrical Characterization of Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (PMFC) Using Eichhornia crassipes by Varying the Electrode Distance and Effect Light of the Sun

The Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (PMFC) design using water hyacinth has been successfully created. The PMFC was then treated by varying the distance of the electrode and giving the effect of sunlight. The electrodes used are Cu-Zn pairs where the electrode distance varies, with values of 3, 6, 9, and 12 cm. Furthermore, the data was taken with PMFC conditions placed outside and indoors for 14 days (331 hours). The results showed that PMFC with an electrode distance of 3 cm produced a more excellent value of electrical power than the other electrode distances, which was 0.6786 mW on the second day at the 37th hour or in the afternoon at 13.00 WIB. In general, the electrical characteristics produced by PMFCs, which are affected by sunlight, produce greater electrical power than PMFCs indoors.

State of the Art and Environmental Aspects of Plant Microbial Fuel Cells’ Application

Environmental pollution is becoming ubiquitous; it has a negative impact on ecosystem diversity and worsens the quality of human life. This review discusses the possibility of applying the plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) technology for concurrent processes of electricity generation and the purification of water and soil ecosystems from organic pollutants, particularly from synthetic surfactants and heavy metals. The review describes PMFCs’ functioning mechanisms and highlights the issues of PMFCs’ environmental application. Generally, this work summarizes different approaches to PMFC development and to the potential usage of such hybrid bioelectrochemical systems for environmental protection.

Bioelectricity generation in plant microbial fuel cells: Influence of vegetation density and unsaturated soil properties

Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) have promising potential in various geoenvironmental engineering applications such as green roofs, biosensors, water purification and soil remediation. However, the vulnerability of PMFCs to drought stress and the unknown interplay between bioelectricity, planting density, and unsaturated soil properties pose significant challenges for their applications. The research objective is to investigate the effects of planting density on bioelectricity generation under drought conditions. The research was conducted using vegetation Hydrocotyle vulgaris at four different planting densities in silty soil. Bioelectricity and unsaturated soil properties, including water content and suction, were monitored. The results indicated that moderate increase in planting density could enhance the power density of PMFCs up to 4.5 times. This is because of the increased availability of root exudates for microbial activity with increasing root biomass and decreased internal resistance by extending the soil pore space. It was also found that plant roots could affect bioelectricity generation by altering unsaturated soil properties, such as the air-entry value of soils and soil pore structure. However, high planting densities reduced bioelectricity due to increased internal resistance from roots occupancy and evapotranspiration-induced crack initiation. This research provides valuable insight into optimizing PMFC performance and sustainability.

900-Days long term study of plant microbial fuel cells and complete application for powering wireless sensors

Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) are electrochemical systems capable of producing electrical energy from plant growth. Despite their limited power density, PMFCs hold pomise as power source for wireless sensor, without using embedded battery, especially in isolated locations. In this study, a complete wireless system was presented, with Cyperus papyrus-based microbial fuel cell. The Cyperus papyrus system was studied over 900 days. Although there was a slight decrease in power output attributed to anodic decreasing performance, the reduction at the cathode remained stable. This stability is likely due to biocatalyst activity, supported by the oxygen transport from the plant to the roots. Although performance of Cyperus papyrus microbial fuel cell were lower than those found in literature, these plants were stacked to power a microcontroller equipped with a temperature/humidity sensor. This microcontroller transmitted measurements wirelessly to a web server every 2 h. The web server, accessible via a web interface, provided real-time data to users on the local network. Finally, the intervals between measurements could serve as indicators of environmental stress, such as variations in soil moisture content.

Power generation potential of plant microbial fuel cells as a renewable energy source

The global energy demand has increased interest in the development of new technologies that offer alternative, cost-effective energy solutions with minimal environmental impact. Among these technologies, is microbial fuel cell (MFC), which takes advantage of the electrical energy produced through the metabolic reactions of microorganisms when they encounter a substrate. This study assesses the electric power generation potential of MFC configured using as a substrate and source comprising a mixture of soil, sand, organic fertilizer, and ash in a proportion of 3:2:1:1/2. Native plants (Torenia fournieri, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Pentas lanceolata, Nephrolepis exaltata, Begonia semperflorens, or Asplenium nidus) were planted to promote the exchange of organic chemical species and nutrients for renewable electrical energy generation. The configuration, constituting a system of fuel cells with microorganisms and plants (Plant Microbial Fuel Cell, PMFC), demonstrated varying whose efficiency levels, determined by measuring the potential between the cell electrodes. The highest voltage obtained in the PMFCs was 0.609 V for the Begonia semperflorens plan, while the lowest was 0.069 V for Asplenium nidus. Torenia fournieri and Asplenium nidus presented the highest voltage peaks at 1.782 and 1.587 V, respectively. Of the plants studied, Nephrolepis exaltata and Asplenium nidus were the only surviving plants after the measurements. When all were connected in series, excluding Asplenium nidus due to its instability, it resulted in an average voltage of 1.856 V. The minimum recorded voltage was 1.540 V, and the maximum electrical potential reached 2.050 V. Analysis of the soil samples, along with the substrate before and after the experiment, identified six electrogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., Erwinia sp., Lactobacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., and Clostridium sp. The Escherichia coli was only present in the soil and substrate sample before the experiment, while the concentration of Pseudomonas sp. and Erwinia sp., increased. This study confirmed that PMFCs with low-cost substrates and native Caribbean plants, represent a promising technology that could drive energy development in developing countries, especially in remote areas lacking access to electricity. This implementation of PMFCs aligns with sustainable energy practices, offering a cost-effective strategy, that can be replicated globally, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

An In Situ Evaluation of Different CAM Plants as Plant Microbial Fuel Cells for Energy Recovery in the Atacama Desert

Excess energy derived from photosynthesis can be used in plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) systems as a sustainable alternative for the generation of electricity. In this study, the in situ performance of CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism) plants in Calama, in the Atacama Desert, was evaluated for energy recovery using PMFCs with stainless steel AISI 316L and Cu as electrodes. The plant species evaluated included Aloe perfoliata, Cereus jamacaru, Austrocylindropuntia subulata, Agave potatorum, Aloe arborescens, Malephora crocea, and Kalanchoe daigremontiana. Among the plant species, Kalanchoe daigremontiana demonstrated significant potential as an in situ PMFC, showing a maximum cell potential of 0.248 V and a minimum of 0.139 V. In addition, the cumulative energy for recovery was about 9.4 mWh m−2 of the electrode. The use of CAM plants in PMFCs presents a novel approach for green energy generation, as these plants possess an inherent ability to adapt to arid environments and water-scarce areas such as the Atacama Desert climate.

Long-term performance of pilot-scale tubular plant-microbial fuel cells in a brownfield-constructed wetland

The plant-microbial fuel cell (P-MFC) is a suitable stand-alone power source for low-power (mW) electronics. P-MFCs have been studied extensively under laboratory conditions. Some studies investigated P-MFCs under field conditions, usually on a small scale or for a short time. The objective of this research was to identify the performance of the tubular P-MFC over a period of years during the establishment of a constructed wetland from a brownfield that was fed with water from a ditch. The performance of tubular P-MFCs with seven different commercially available electrode materials, different depth below the surface, tube length, as well as tube diameter, was investigated by measuring voltages and temperature, as well as by performing polarization measurements. With a maximum of 13–18 mW/m2 projected plant surface, or 1.1 mW for a 1m tube, the tubular P-MFC is expected to be a suitable power source for remote sensing equipment. The performance of the tubular P-MFC is correlated to temperature and decreases significantly at temperatures below 6 °C. Longer tubular P-MFCs produce more power, but less power per meter, where the optimum tube length seems to be around one to 2 m. Longer tubes experience higher losses due to material resistance. The tubular P-MFC design is not so sensitive to different electrode material choices, and smaller P-MFCs seem to perform relatively well. To utilize P-MFC power for sensor applications, an appropriate harvester should be designed that is able to find the maximum power point of the P-MFC while harvesting and has sufficient buffer capacity in case of temperature and seasonal variations.

Plant microbial fuel cells as a bioenergy source used in precision beekeeping

Urban beekeeping is increasing due to growing populations, adopting Internet of Things (IoT), technology 4.0, and development of smart cities. In this paper, we proposed an energy-autonomous wireless sensors node (EAWSN) for beehive’s humidity and temperature inside/outside detection. This sensor platform can harvest energy from plant microbial fuel cells (PMFC) sources, powering sensors with a current as low as 1.96 mA and communicating via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The PMFC-array produces the maximum power of 5.8 mW at an open circuit voltage of 4.6 V and a short circuit current of 3.92 mA. The ultra-low-power consumption of the system allows for performing whole-time continuous BLE transmissions. The main benefit is the elimination of maintenance associated with changing and disposing of batteries. EAWSN uses a PMFC that provides continuous and virtually endless power and avoids using expensive and bulky storage devices such as supercapacitors or batteries. The functionality of the system is demonstrated by experimental measurements in an urban context. Besides, the system probes the concept of an eco-friendly battery-free that allows the coexistence of the environment, PMFC technology, and IoT.

PLANT MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS: THE CURRENT STATE AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Phyto-treatment engineering structures have recently found wide application in the biotechnology of wastewater treatment. Currently, it is important to study and use the possibility of bioelectric power generation, as well as develop energy-efficient hybrid technologies based on plant-microbial fuel cells. The purpose of the study is to summarize information on the ability of plant organisms to generate bioelectric potentials and to create plant-fuel cells as a component of an integrated phytotechnology for wastewater treatment in Eastern Siberia. The article shows applications of phytotechnologies for wastewater treatment using a system of algae, higher aquatic vegetation, microorganisms in different climatic zones, including the Arctic. These technologies have been implemented in China, where dozens of such facilities are annually built. The article describes the designs of plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFC), the electrogenic activity of s plants and microorganisms, promising areas for the use of microbial fuel cells, PMFC as power sources for small devices, sensors for early detection of water pollution. Design solutions for creating RMFC batteries for the neutralization of soils contaminated with antibiotics are presented.

Application of Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (Pmfc) to Agricultural Industry in Contribution to Green Energy

Most of the innovation used by humans depends on electricity, thus becoming a crucial necessity. It enables people to live harmoniously and comfortably with the help of electricity which gives life to human inventions. Without electricity, most human inventions would be useless or nonexistent. Microbial Fuel Cell was conducted to test the efficiency of the generated current of microbes living inside the wet lands. By the use of the existing MFC series circuits, the researchers found out that there is an enough current that the MFC generated through electrodes (Zinc and Copper). The present study experimentally investigated the efficiency of generated current in MFC enough to power up low electronic materials such as: LED Light bulbs and Ditrio LED Lights. The farm lands will serve as the main source of electricity where the sludges will be taken and gathered to create a series circuit composed of two different prototypes.The global need for energy is always rising. In this case, carbon-based fuels have in one way or another provided for a significant share of the total energy requirement. As a result, fossil fuel resources have been severely depleted, which is now contributing to an ecological imbalance. Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels produces a significant amount of carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas that has severe effects on the climate. MFC Systems or Microbial Fuel Cells Systems is a set of technology that uses microorganism as catalysts to oxidize organic and inorganic matter and generate current. Basically, wastewater such as sludge could carry these bacteria so it would be suspended to the system to generate current. It works as a battery where stacking multiple MFCs would create a higher voltage enough to power a household (Chaturvedi, Bioresources & Bioprocessing, 2016). This allows bacteria to facilitate in electron transfer processes as the propose application of Plant Microbial Fuel Cell to Agricultural industry especially in farmlands is to assess the feasibility as potential source of electricity. The MFC system in farmlands may serve as an additional source of renewable green energy in contribution to fight against climate change.

Bioelectricity generation from corn plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) using natural bamboo charcoal as electrodes and Shewanella oneidensis

Environmentally friendly energy is a burning issue in recent years due to the protection of the earth and the sustainable future. In this study, simultaneous bioelectricity generation and corn (Zea mays L.) harvesting have been carried out by using natural bamboo charcoal as electrode materials. Cathode was placed as parallel (horizontal) to and vertical to the surface, respectively in two corn plant microbial fuel cells. Another 2 cells have been prepared as blank PMFC but to compare the effects of plants. Voltage data has been measured once in a day for a total of 70 days (10 weeks). Weather factors such as mean temperature, solar radiation, precipitation were used to see the effects of these parameters in bioelectricity generation. It was noted that horizontal placement of cathode was better than that of vertical placement for power output (320 mW/m2 and 128 mW/m2, respectively). The peak voltage was around 980 mV, 120 mV (blank) for horizontal and 620 mV and 90 mV(blank)for vertical placement when the resistance was 100 Ω. Solar radiation and precipitation were more prominent weather factors for bioelectricity generation than the mean temperature. It was proved that simultaneous bioelectricity generation and corn harvesting can be possible by using plant microbial fuel cells.

Performance evaluation of the novel 3D-printed aquatic plant-microbial fuel cell assembly with Eichhornia crassipes

Plant-Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFCs) are a sustainable derivative of fuel cells that capitalizes on plant rhizodeposition to generate bioelectricity. In this study, the performance of the novel 3D-printed aquatic PMFC assembly with Eichhornia crassipes as the model plant was investigated. The design made use of 1.75 mm Protopasta Conductive Polylactic Acid (PLA) for the electrodes and 1.75 mm CCTREE Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) filaments for the separator. Three systems were prepared with three replicates each: PMFCs with the original design dimensions (System A), PMFCs with cathode-limited surface area variations (System B), and PMFCs with anode-limited surface area variations (System C). The maximum power density obtained by design was 82.54 µW/m2, while the average for each system is 26.99 µW/m2, 36.24 µW/m2, and 6.81 µW/m2, respectively. The effect of variations on electrode surface area ratio was also examined, and the results suggest that the design benefits from increasing the cathode surface area up to a cathode-anode surface area ratio of 2:1. This suggests that the cathode is the crucial component for this design due to it facilitating the rate-limiting step. Plant health was also found to be a contributing factor to PMFC performance, thereby suggesting that PMFCs are an interplay of several factors not limited to electrode surface area alone. The performance of the novel PMFC did not achieve those obtained from existing studies. Nevertheless, the result of this study indicates that 3D-printing technology is a possible retrofit for PMFC technology and can be utilized for scale-up and power amplification.

Characterization of plant growth promoting potential of 3D-printed plant microbial fuel cells

Plant-Microbial Fuel Cell (PMFC) is an emerging technology that converts plant waste into electrical energy through rhizodeposition, offering a renewable and sustainable source of energy. Deviating from the traditional PMFC configurations, additive manufacturing was utilized to create intricate and efficient designs using polymer-carbon composites. Concerning the agricultural sector, the effect of 3D-printed PMFCs on the growth and biomass distribution of Phaseolus lunatus and Ipomoea aquatica was determined. The experiment showed that electrostimulation promoted the average daily leaf number and plant height of both polarized plants, which were statistically proven to be greater than the control (α = 0.05), by energizing the flow of ions in the soil, boosting nutrient uptake and metabolism. It also stimulated the growth of roots, increasing the root dry mass of polarized plants by 155.44% and 66.30% for I. aquatica and P. Lunatus against their non-polarized counterpart. Due to the biofilm formation on the anode surface, the number of root nodules of the polarized P. lunatus was 51.30% higher than the control, while the protein content in the PMFC setup was 42.22% and 8.26% higher than the control for I. aquatica and P. lunatus, respectively. The voltage readings resemble the plants' average growth rate, and the polarization studies showed that the optimum external resistances in the I. aquatica- and P. lunatus-powered PMFC were 4.7 kΩ and 10 kΩ, respectively. Due to other prevailing pathways of organic carbon consumption, such as methanogenesis, the effect of polarization on the organic carbon content in soil is currently inconclusive and requires further study.