Simultaneous Electricity Research Articles

Integrated Energy Management in Small-Scale Smart Grids Considering the Emergency Load Conditions: A Combined Battery Energy Storage, Solar PV, and Power-to-Hydrogen System

This study introduces an advanced Mixed-Integer Linear Programming model tailored for comprehensive electrical and thermal energy management in small-scale smart grids, addressing emergency load shedding and overload situations. The model integrates combined heat and power sources, capable of simultaneous electricity and heat generation, alongside a mobile photovoltaic battery storage system, a wind resource, a thermal storage tank, and demand response programs (DRPs) for both electrical and thermal demands. Power-to-hydrogen systems are also incorporated to efficiently convert electrical energy into heat, enhancing network synergies. Utilizing the robust Gurobi solver, the model aims to minimize operating, fuel, and maintenance costs while mitigating environmental impact. Simulation results under various scenarios demonstrate the model’s superior performance. Compared to conventional evolutionary methods like particle swarm optimization, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III, and biogeography-based optimization, the proposed model exhibits remarkable improvements, outperforming them by 11.4%, 5.6%, and 11.6%, respectively. This study emphasizes the advantages of employing DRP and heat tank equations to balance electrical and thermal energy relationships, reduce heat losses, and enable the integration of larger photovoltaic systems to meet thermal constraints, thus broadening the problem’s feasible solution space.

Nitrous oxide abatement and valorization in an ammonia-fueled SOFC stack – Nitric oxide and electricity production

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a harmful gas that strongly impacts climate change. Several strategies for denitrification have been addressed, where the use of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has been demonstrated to be attractive for N2O reduction and simultaneous electricity production. The reduction of N2O to N2 is studied for the first time at the cathode of an SOFC, where ammonia is supplied to the anode as fuel. A diluted ammonia stream is particularly interesting since it is normally available in HNO3 plants – the most important concentrated source of N2O emission – and is carbon-free. The combined reduction of N2O with the oxidation of NH3 allows the production of nitric oxide (NO) at the anode, a valuable precursor for HNO3 production.This work uses a commercial SOFC stack comprehending six cells, equipped with membrane electrode assemblies of LSM-CGO ‖ yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ‖ YSZ-NiO. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was successfully employed to characterize the stack performance. Data were analyzed by combining a Distribution Function of Relaxation Times (DFRT) and Equivalent Circuit Models (ECMs), for different operating conditions, namely in terms of temperature and fuel feed composition. Three major processes were identified at the anode: one related to the adsorption/desorption of reactants on the surface of the electrocatalyst, a diffusion process of charge carriers/intermediate species to the triple phase boundary (TPB), and a charge-transfer process at the TPB. The electrochemical production of nitric oxide (NO) was investigated, and a 20 % selectivity towards NO production and an energy stack efficiency of 88 % was obtained. Overall, the current work provides a critical first step toward using SOFC to perform efficient N2O electroreduction using diluted ammonia as fuel.

Tetracycline hydrochloride degradation with simultaneous electricity generation by bio-electro-Fenton system configured with carbon-modified Fe, Co dual-metal cathode catalyst

Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), which is difficultly degradable and widely used, can induce the generation and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), seriously threatening the environment and human health. Herein, X% (X = 0, 1, 3, 5) carbon-decorated CoFe2O4 catalysts were developed and were assessed by physical characterization, electrochemical performance and their electricity production capabilities in a bio-electro-Fenton (BEF) system using sodium acetate as the substrate, showing that 5 %C-CoFe2O4 exhibited excellent catalytic performance and electron transfer efficiency. Therefore, the BEF configured with 5 %C-CoFe2O4 air–cathode catalyst realized the degradation of TCH and total organic carbon (TOC) across varying concentrations of TCH (0, 10, 20, and 30 mg/L). The BEF system with 30 mg/L TCH has the maximum output voltage (0.575 V), open circuit voltage (0.692 V), power density (0.588 W/m2) and minimum internal resistance (180.293 mΩ/m2) compared to other TCH concentrations. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of microbial fuel cells (MFC) and Fenton reactions promoting continuous oxidation–reduction cycles of Fe3+/Fe2+ and Co3+/Co2+ at the cathode. Furthermore, it increased the diversity and abundance of microbial communities and inhibited the transmission of ARGs. This work develops a high-performance non-expensive cathode catalyst applied to the BEF system, which can simultaneously remove antibiotics and control ARGs propagation.

Techno-economic viability of sustainable solar co-generation using CPV cells in parabolic dish concentrators: A 20-year perspective

Solar co-generation is a cutting-edge technology that enables the instantaneous production of electricity and heat energy by employing concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. This study presents the development and experimental analysis of a novel small-scale solar co-generation system, utilizing concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cells integrated into a solar paraboloidal dish concentrator (SPDC) for simultaneous electricity and heat production. The system, designed with a high concentration ratio, employs a CPV module composed of four 1 cm × 1 cm cells mounted on a flat receiver of a parabolic dish concentrator with an aperture area of 12.6 m2. Experimental results, obtained over three consecutive days, demonstrate that the CPV module achieves an electric power output ranging from 480 to 645 W daily, while the SPDC system generates thermal energy between 395 and 725 W. The economic analysis indicates a cost of ₹10.75 per unit of electricity, with a payback period of approximately 13.5 years, assuming a 20-year system lifespan. Additionally, the reliability of the CPV module and the impact of varying encapsulation materials were critically assessed, providing insights into potential improvements and long-term performance. The findings underscore the viability and economic potential of solar co-generation systems employing CPV technology, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

Refractory plasmonic material based floating solar still for simultaneous desalination and electricity generation

Refractory plasmonic material based floating solar still for simultaneous desalination and electricity generation

Toward Sustainable Urine Resource Management: Denitrification Purification with Simultaneous Electricity Generation and H2O2 Production

Toward Sustainable Urine Resource Management: Denitrification Purification with Simultaneous Electricity Generation and H₂O₂ Production

Ion pump-inspired biomimetic interfacial evaporation platform for simultaneous seawater desalination, uranium extraction, and electricity generation

To accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), here we develop an ion pump-inspired biomimetic interfacial evaporation platform (IBIP). Such an innovative platform integrates seawater desalination, electricity generation, and uranium extraction. A biochar-doped sodium alginate hydrogel is used to validate the IBIP’s efficacy. In long-term trials under 1 sun, IBIP maintains a stable evaporation rate of 1.80 kg m−2 h−1 and achieves a consistent uranium adsorption ratio exceeding 80 % within 48 h in real seawater. Additionally, the IBIP demonstrates an enhanced electricity output, with Voc and Isc reaching 0.9 V and 14.0 μA, respectively. By constructing a 3D structure, the IBIP’s performance under 1 sun significantly escalates to 4.3 kg m−2 h−1 for evaporation rate, 168.1 mg g−1 for uranium extraction capacity, and 1.02 V for Voc, respectively. In conclusion, this work offers a high-efficiency and eco-friendly way for the sustainable utilization of seawater resources.

Phosphomolybdic acid functionalized nano silica for enhanced anti-biofouling effect in polymer electrolyte membranes for microbial fuel cell application

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology for simultaneous electricity generation and wastewater treatment. In this study, a single-chambered MFC was fabricated utilizing a novel polymer electrolyte membrane synthesized from sulfonated polyether ether ketone grafted with styrene sulfonic acid (SPEEK/SSA) as the base polymer, and silica decorated with phosphomolybdic acid (SPMA) as a functionalized nanofiller. Various concentrations of SPMA (2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 %) were incorporated into the SPEEK/SSA membranes and characterized physicochemically. The SPEEK/SSA membrane with 5 wt% SPMA demonstrated the highest proton conductivity (3.75×10−2 S cm−1) and ion exchange capacity (1.68 meq g−1). This PEM also exhibited superior tensile strength (20 MPa) and excellent chemical durability, as evidenced by Fenton's reagent test. Performance evaluation revealed that this membrane achieved a maximum power density of 196.6 mW m−2 at a maximum of 180 mA m−2 current density. Additionally, antibiofouling tests indicated that the 5 % SPMA-incorporated membrane possessed significant antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and exhibited high biofilm inhibition. The wastewater treatment efficacy of the MFC with the 5 % SPMA membrane was confirmed by a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 81.49 %, indicating its potential for effective wastewater treatment. Phylogenetic analysis through 16S rRNA sequencing identified major bacterial phyla including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes, with predominant genera such as Pseudomonas and Acidovorax. This study emphasises the potential of nanocomposite membranes to enhance the performance and durability of MFCs while mitigating biofouling, thereby paving the way for future research and development in this field.

A synergistic bioelectrochemical-photocatalytic system for efficient uranium removal and recovery

Bioelectrochemical system (BES) is a promising technology for uranium recovery, which also enables simultaneous electricity generation. However, the bioelectrochemical recovery of uranium is hindered by its slow process due to the low reduction potential provided by microorganisms. Herein, we developed an innovative bioelectrochemical-photocatalytic system (BEPS) that combines the advantages of BES and photocatalysis, achieving enhanced uranium removal and recovery. The photogenerated electrons in BEPS possess a more negative reduction potential and stronger reduction capability than microbial electrons in BES, significantly accelerating uranium reduction and deposition on the electrode surface. Moreover, the electrons from the bioanode combine with photogenerated holes through the external circuit, effectively inhibiting the recombination of charge carriers. The BEPS significantly enhances uranium removal efficiency, kinetic, and electricity generation through a synergistic coupling mechanism between the bioanode and photocathode. Notably, the UO2 deposited on the electrode surface exhibited a recovery efficiency of 98.21 ± 1.37%, and the regenerated electrode sustained its photoelectric response and uranium removal capabilities. Our findings highlight the potential of the BEPS as an effective technology for uranium recovery and electricity generation.

Development and analysis of a novel power-to-gas-to-power system driven by the Allam cycle for simultaneous electricity and water production

The global energy sector faces dual challenges of reducing carbon emissions and managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Addressing the challenge of renewable energy intermittency, the power-to-gas technique emerges as a potent solution and the Allam cycle stands out as a remarkably efficient, semi-closed, supercritical carbon dioxide cycle, boasting a zero-carbon emission process. In the current study, the combination of the Allam cycle and power-to-gas technology yields a zero-carbon emission process, culminating in a highly efficient multi-generation system. This innovative system aims to generate power, methane, and freshwater simultaneously. The waste heat produced as a by-product of the Allam cycle is effectively utilized by integrating it with the multi-effect desalination-thermal vapor compression unit. The system’s performance was evaluated using Engineering Equation Solver for exergy and economic assessments, while MATLAB incorporates an artificial neural network and moth-flame algorithm for multi-objective optimization. The optimization process operates under the influence of nine key decision variables, ensuring comprehensive analysis and robust decision-making. Based on the optimization results and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method, the optimal solution for freshwater mass flow rate, exergy efficiency, and cost rate is determined to be 378.5 kg/s, 39.03 %, and 11,021 $/h, respectively. Finally, this innovative system demonstrates the potential to address renewable energy intermittency and carbon emissions simultaneously, offering a promising approach for sustainable energy generation and water production.

A self-driven solar coupling system with activated carbon felt cathode for resourcefully purifying uranium and organic contaminated water

With the continuous development of nuclear energy, it becomes increasingly important to recover uranium from the radioactive wastewater, in which various organics may combine with uranyl ions (UO22+) to form refractory complexes. Developing highly active cathode materials for uranium reduction is essential to improve the performance of self-driven solar coupling system (SSCS) in treating complex radioactive wastewater. In this study, an activated carbon felt (ACF) cathode is prepared by anodizing carbon felt (CF) in NaOH solution to adjust the surface morphology and functional groups. The ACF is then used in a SSCS combined with a TiO2 nanorods array (TNA) photoanode for the efficient recovery of uranium and the rapid degradation of organic pollutants with simultaneous electricity generation. Compared to CF, the functionalized ACF with oxygen-containing functional groups, provides sufficient sites for UO22+ adsorption and facilitates the charge separation. The SSCS with the ACF cathode exhibits removal ratios of approximately 99.9 % for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and UO22+, with removal rates of ∼ 0.025 and ∼ 0.154 min−1, respectively. In contrast, the SSCS with the CF cathode achieves removal rates of ∼ 0.006 and ∼ 0.026 min−1. Additionally, a maximum power density of 0.94 mW·cm−2 with a fill factor of 23.36 % is achieved. After 20 cycles, the system maintains removal ratios of 99.1 % for TCH and 98.2 % and UO22+. Intensive investigation also reveals that the system functions robustly in treating complex wastewater with a complicated condition of pH, co-exited ions, and various pollutant concentrations. Furthermore, efficient removal of organics and uranium is also achieved from polluted seawater or under real sunlight illumination. This paper presents a simple method to prepare low-cost, highly active and stable cathodes for uranium reduction in an easy-to-operated, energy-saving and economical solar-driven system.

VFCW-MFC for simultaneous decontamination and electricity production under sulfadiazine stress: Effects of substrates and analysis of bacterial community structure

VFCW-MFC for simultaneous decontamination and electricity production under sulfadiazine stress: Effects of substrates and analysis of bacterial community structure

Solar-driven salt-free deposition evaporation for simultaneous desalination and electricity generation based on tip-effect and siphon-effect

Solar-driven desalination is a promising way to alleviate the freshwater shortage, while is facing challenges posed by low evaporation rates and severe salt accumulation. Herein, a high-performance two-dimensional (2D) solar absorber with Co3O4 nanoneedle arrays (Co3O4-NN) grown on the surface of reduced graphene oxide-coated pyrolyzed silk cloth (Co3O4-NN/rGO/PSC) was prepared, and a salt-free evaporator system was assembled based on the composite material and siphonage-the flowing water delivery. It is revealed that the evaporation enthalpy of water can be reduced over the 2D solar absorber grown with Co3O4-NN, enabling an evaporation rate of up to 2.35 kg m−2 h−1 in DI water under one solar irradiation. The desalination process can be carried out continuously even with salt concentration up to 20 wt%, due to the timely removal of concentrated brine from the interface with the assistance of directed flowing water. Moreover, the 2D structure and the flowing water also provide an opportunity to convert waste solar heat into electricity in the evaporator based on the seebeck effect, ensuring simultaneous freshwater production and power generation. It is believed that this work provides insights into designing hybrid systems with high evaporation rate, salt resistance, and electricity generation.

High nitrogen removal and electricity generation of anaerobic fluidized bed coupled microbial fuel cell for Anammox

The current challenge in wastewater denitrification lies in the treatment of low carbon to nitrogen ratio(C/N) wastewater. Integrating Anaerobic Ammonia Oxidation(Anammox) with a microbial fuel cell(MFC) enables simultaneous pollutant removal and electricity generation, leading to enhanced treatment efficiency and reduced energy consumption. However, achieving stable and effective treatment effects under high nitrogen concentration conditions remains a general research difficulty. The Anaerobic fluidized bed MFC(AFB-MFC) experiment successfully integrated Anammox ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) into the anode and cathode chambers, resulting in a continuous operation for 258 days. The reactor successfully initiated operation within 48 days and maintained stable performance within an NLR range of 0.5–1.0 kgN/m3/d. The system performance was found to be influenced by DO and substrate concentration, demonstrating consistent high nitrogen removal ability across different HRT. Ultimately, the Anammox AFB-MFC achieved a nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) of 96.89%, while its power generation performance gradually improved, yielding a final output voltage ranging from 370 to 420 mV. The microbial community within the reactor comprised diverse electricity-producing bacteria and AnAOB. This study highlights the excellent denitrification and power generation potential of Anammox AFB-MFC under low energy consumption conditions and provides theoretical groundwork for the practical implementation of Anammox.

Evaluation of a novel continuous baffled photo-reactor for tetracycline degradation and simultaneous electricity production in photocatalytic fuel cell

Photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) systems can be a new generation of energy production by simultaneously producing electricity and removing organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. A baffling photoreactor is developed for application in a PFC, and the continuous system consists of a light-responsive photoanode (ZnO/Bi2MoO6/MIL-101; ZnO/Bi2MoO6; ZnO) and a photocathode (Cu/CuO/Cu2O). A response surface method (RSM) is presented to characterize the process factors (pH, immobilized catalyst dosage (mg/cm2), and tetracycline concentration (ppm)) on the performance of a reactor designed to optimize degradation efficiency and maximum power generation. The optimal conditions are determined at pH = 7, Catalyst dosage = 0.87 mg/cm2, and tetracycline concentration = 80 ppm. In optimal conditions, other parameters for degradation efficiency (88.8%), open circuit voltage (1.03 V), short circuit current (2.5 mA/cm2), and maximum power generation (0.87 mW/cm2) are obtained. The performance of different photoanodes by linear sweep voltammetry shows a current density of 2.5 mA/cm2 for ZnO/Bi2MoO6/MIL-101, which is 7.8 and 1.8 times higher than ZnO and ZnO/Bi2MoO6 photoanodes, respectively. The flow regime is determined by residence time distribution (RTD) in the novel reactor with the experimental data of 6 tanks-in-series.

Dynamic performance analysis of a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector with an extruded absorber using python optimization modeling object (Pyomo)

Solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) integrates photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors in one system for simultaneous electricity and heat production in a reduced area. The absorber type used for heat extraction significantly affects PVT performance. This work examines the performance of an extruded absorber PVT under varying solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and wind speed. A detailed dynamic mathematical model is developed from energy balance equations and heat transfer correlations for each layer of the PVT collector. Using orthogonal collocation on the finite difference method, the system of differential equations is discretized and solved numerically with Pyomo, a Python optimization modeling tool. Following validation against literature data, the model is used to predict the temperature of each layer and the thermal and electrical output of the PVT collector. The effect of cooling fluid mass flow rate, solar irradiance intensity, ambient temperature, and wind speed on PVT performance is analyzed. This design provides a maximum electrical efficiency of 15.47 % at a wind velocity of 3 m/s, regardless of the cooling fluid flow rate. Peak electrical power of 212.26 W is achieved at the highest flow rate (14.14 kg/hr) and with the highest wind velocity (3 m/s), while the peak thermal power of 348.03 W occurs at a wind velocity of 1 m/s and a flow rate of 11.31 kg/hr. Compared to the conventional sheet-and-tube design at 1 m/s wind speed and 5.65 kg/hr cooling fluid flow rate, the extruded absorber PVT delivers 203.18 W electrical and 189.27 W thermal power, outperforming the 207.46 W electrical and 128.9 W thermal power of the conventional design, demonstrating the potential of the extruded absorber design for enhancing heat generation.

Phase Change Material Boosting Electricity Output and Freshwater Production through Hierarchical‐Structured 3D Solar Evaporator

AbstractIntermittent sunlight irradiation severely limits the performance of solar evaporators for electricity output and freshwater production. To address this issue, a hierarchical‐structured three‐dimentional (3D) solar evaporator to simultaneously enhance output voltage and freshwater production by integrating a paraffin‐type phase change material (PCM) with a circular concave‐shaped 3D supporter covered with a carbon‐black‐nanoparticles‐modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric (PMCB) is developed. In this developed 3D solar evaporator, the 3D‐printed supporter can trap sunlight to improve solar energy absorption, and the PMCB obtained from hydrophilic and hydrophobic modification can adequately absorb sunlight for electricity generation and water evaporation, resulting in a maximum output voltage of 3.51 V and a high evaporation rate of 4.0 kg m−2 h−1 under natural sunlight illumination. Owing to the introduction of the PCM, the 3D solar evaporator obtains a decrease in the time required for charging a capacitor by 57.9% and an increase in freshwater production by 29.9% compared to the counterpart without a PCM. Through rationally utilizing the solar photothermal energy stored by the PCM and innovatively integrating the PCM and PMCB in a hierarchical‐structured 3D supporter, the developed 3D solar evaporator exhibits great application potential for simultaneous electricity generation and freshwater supply under intermittent solar irradiation.

Self-powered Pb(II) removal driven by Zn-air batteries using N, P-doped active straw carbon as cathode

Electrochemical systems have been widely applied in heavy-metal ions (HMIs) pollution control, while their applications are greatly restricted by excessive energy consumption. Self-powered environmental remediation systems (SERSs) can shed the energy reliance to achieve HMIs decontamination and simultaneous electricity output through electrokinetic migration. In this work, SERSs based on Zn-air batteries (ZABs) were achieved to remove bivalent lead (Pb(II)) by circulating effluent as electrolyte. Straw biomass derived N, P functional active nanocarbon (NP-ASC) with hierarchical porosity and electron modulation effect was designed for achieving high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and efficient Pb(II) uptake. SERSs with electrode active area of 1 cm2 realize outstanding Pb(II) removal efficiency (98.1 %) and electricity generation (67.5 mWh∙cm−2) in simulated sewage. ZABs assembled with NP-ASC delivered specific capacity of 795 mAh∙g−1 and cycling stability for 340 h. This study provides a guide for designing a novel SERS using functionalized biomass nanocarbon.

Simultaneous solar steam and electricity generation from biochar based photothermal membranes

Clean water and energy are essential for reducing poverty, fostering economic growth and sustainable development while mitigating CO2 emissions. Considering that, solar-powered interfacial vapor or steam generation is sustainable and promising environmental technology for both water purification and energy generation while being CO2-free. Despite continuous research progress, most of the solar absorbers to capture sunlight following heat conversion for steam generation are generally made from expensive nanostructures, which in part prevents their widespread manufacturing for useful applications. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate a biomass-derived carbon composite membrane that nearly covers the entire sunlight spectrum as a solar absorber with an estimated absorptivity of 90%. As a result, the light absorbed yields a surface temperature of 55 °C at the surface of the B700 and 33 °C for water. Evaporation rates up to 1.26 and 1.16 kg/(m2 h) and solar-to-vapor efficiencies of 80 and 74% were recorded in presence of sodium chloride with two different types of biochar B700 and B300 based photothermal membranes, respectively, under 1 sun illumination. The water evaporation in presence of mixed sodium chloride/magnesium chloride reached up to 1.21 and 1.05 kg/(m2 h) with 77 and 69% efficiency with B700 and B300; due to different solar absorber geometry. Furthermore, by merging the thermoelectric technology, we exploit the concept of hybrid clean water and energy generation. At a relative humidity of 60%, the thermoelectric device may generate approximately 0.9 W/m2 power density. These results highlight the interactive effects of biochar and polyvinylidene fluoride with porous hierarchies and enhanced absorption of sunlight, thus enabling a considerable elevation of temperature with great potential for clean water and energy. Overall biochar photothermal membrane represents a significant advancement as low-cost sustainable technology, addressing both water and energy challenges by providing efficient, environmentally friendly solution for freshwater production and clean power generation.

An overview of agro-industrial wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cells: Recent advancements

Discharge of agro-industrial wastewater causes severe damage to the environment due to the various hazardous components it contains. Progressive circular agriculture and industry involve closed cycles and zero-waste principles; therefore, waste treatment for subsequent reuse is of great interest. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a promising sustainable technology capable of treating wastewater at low cost without greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while simultaneously producing electricity. The principle behind MFCs is based on the conversion of chemical energy into electricity using electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) as a biocatalyst. This article presents an overview of the progress and recent advancements in MFCs as a pivotal technology for agro-industrial wastewater treatment with production of sustainable electricity, compared to conventional treatment processes. Furthermore, the fundamental aspects of the design, configuration, operation, and application of MFCs in wastewater treatment (i.e., removal of inorganic nutrients, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, sulfide, ammonium, organics, dyes, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and petroleum) are comprehensively discussed. Despite the viability and potential of MFCs in treating agro-industrial wastewater and producing electricity, they face various limitations and significant challenges, which are highlighted in this review. Future opportunities and perspectives on MFC applications are also discussed. Further research is required to address MFC limitations, which could make them feasible and practicable for real-world applications. However, MFC technology is clearly an excellent option for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity production without the need for external energy sources.