Single-chamber Microbial Fuel Cells Research Articles

Heteroatoms doping for modulation of sp3-hybridized carbon sites for highly efficient bio-electroreduction of oxygen in microbial fuel cells

Due to the fact that single chamber microbial fuel cells (SC-MFCs) generally require efficient, stable, and inexpensive cathode catalysts to promote bioelectricity generation performance, metal-free catalysts have attracted increasing attention in SC-MFCs. However, enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using metal-free catalysts remains a challenge. This study introduces a metal-free porous catalyst by synchronously doping phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) atoms into the biomass-derived carbon skeleton (AB-N-P). The AB-N-P catalyst, displaying half-wave potentials (E1/2) of 0.89 (alkaline) and 0.832 V (neutral), exhibits superior ORR performances compared to most metal-free catalysts and is comparable to some non-precious metal catalysts. Remarkably, it (E1/2: 0.890 to 0.880 V) matches or even exceeds the stability of commercial Pt/C catalyst (E1/2: 0.864 to 0.849 V) after 3000 cyclic voltammetry cycles. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that P and N co-doping synergistically increases the sp3-hybridized carbon content and redistributes charge density, thereby enhancing the catalytic properties and altering the electronic properties of the active sites. In practical applications in SC-MFCs, the AB-N-P electrocatalyst shows exceptional performance, achieving a higher power density (896.4 mW m−2) than that of commercial Pt/C (538.2 mW m−2). This study offers insightful revelations into the modulation of carbon active-sites by doping heteroatoms to carbon skeleton as metal-free catalyst in bioenergy-generation systems.

Microbial fuel cells: A potent and sustainable solution for heavy metal removal

The global water pollution problem is becoming increasingly crucial. One of the major contributors to water pollution is the presence of heavy metals. Heavy metals pose significant threat to both humans and all ecosystems. Various factors influence the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, including pH, temperature, natural organic matter (NOM), and ionic strength, which vary based on the chemical properties of the pollutants. More effective and modern approaches receive attention and extensively researched to substitute traditional methods such as adsorption, membrane filtration, and chemical-based separation. Among these methods, Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are particularly intriguing. This review article focuses on MFCs and their potential applications in various fields, including clean water production. MFCs represent an innovative technology that not only generates electricity, but also demonstrates significant potential for heavy metal removal from wastewater. Cathodic chamber of MFCs effectively reduces heavy metals, while organic substrates act as carbon and electron donors in the anodic chamber. Through various mechanisms, including direct and indirect metal reduction, biofilm formation (metal sequestering), electron shuttling, and synergistic interactions among microbial communities, microorganisms exhibit remarkable efficiency in removing metals. Studies showed that dual- and single-chamber MFCs could efficiently remove a range of heavy metals, including chromium, cobalt, copper, vanadium, mercury, gold, selenium, lead, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and sodium, while simultaneously generating electricity, achieving high removal efficiencies ranging from 25% to 99.95%. This range of efficiency varies depending on the specific contaminant being targeted, the concentration of the contaminant, as well as the operating conditions such as pH and temperature. Moreover, MFCs demonstrated a wide range of power outputs, typically ranging from 0.15 W/m² to 6.58 W/m², depending on the specific configuration and conditions. These findings underscore the potential of MFCs as a sustainable and efficient approach for both wastewater treatment and energy generation.

Preliminary results in the manufacture of anodic electrodes for potential use in microbial fuel cells.

Abstract Microbial fuel cells are a bioelectrochemical technology that uses different types of waste as fuel sources to generate sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity. Various MFCs have been developed, with the electrode used being a crucial problem due to its high manufacturing cost. This research shows that electrodes can be manufactured quickly and economically using activated carbon (100 g), sugar (80 g), ethanol (250 ml), and pine resin (200 g). For its demonstration, grape waste was used in a single-chamber MFC for 35 days. The manufactured electrode generated a Rint. of 18.471 ± 2.475 Ω, whose current density was 8.348 ±0.768 mW/cm2 at a current density of 5.166 A/cm2. The electrical potential shown was 0.889 ± 0.017 V and 4.571 ± 0.061 mA, with an ORPmax of 81.495 ± 1.874 mV, operating at a pH of 7.26 ±0.19. The micrographs made by scanning electron microscopy showed porous surfaces with carbonaceous substances in the final monitoring stage. These preliminary results showed excellent performance of the electrodes, showing their potential for use in MFCs in an economical way.

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.

Design, construction, and testing of generation of electric energy using microbial fuel cell

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that converts chemical energy from organic compounds/renewable energy sources to electrical energy/bio-electrical energy through microbial catalysis at the anode under anaerobic conditions. The process is becoming an attractive and alternative methodology for the generation of electricity. The scope of this paper was to design, construct, and test microbial fuel cells that source their fuel from organic waste, using microbial fuel cells to power LED lights. The research concluded that microbial fuel is a prospective energy source for future electricity that can be produced and used by all consumers. Single Chamber Microbial fuel cells were set up using material readily available around i.e. the slurry and, in the market, i.e. the other materials, in batches. The studies showed that the single chamber MFC can produce a maximum voltage of over 500mV and can last for a minimum of two and half months. Out of the 30 MFCs produced 18 of them which produce stable and progressive voltage were connected in series in the frame. The whole setup successfully powered five red LED lights. This shows that more of the MFCs set up can produce more electricity such as that can power a control system.

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF A SINGLE CHAMBER MICROBIAL FUEL CELL (MFC)

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent renewable energy technology with potential applications in electricity generation. This study aimed to construct and evaluate the performance of a single-chamber MFC using soil samples. Two MFCs were built for this purpose: one to assess performance by monitoring the variation of voltage and current over time, and the other to examine the effect of cathode surface area on MFC performance. Microbial fuel cells are important due to their potential to generate renewable energy, treat wastewater, remediate contaminated environments, serve as biosensors, and be scalable and integrated with other technologies, making them a promising solution for addressing various environmental and energy challenges. Notable results included recording maximum currents and voltages of 2.2 mA and 0.6 V, respectively, which elucidated the non-linear relationship between current and voltage. Additionally, it was found that the cathode surface area has a direct impact on the current produced. The polarization curve, illustrating current density as a function of voltage, was also analyzed. Another significant finding was a coulombic efficiency of 92.6%. Furthermore, connecting the MFCs in series achieved a voltage of 1.363 V. These results indicate substantial progress in the field. This study contributed to the advancement of MFC technology and its potential for practical applications in renewable energy generation, wastewater treatment, and environmental sustainability.

Isolation of Electrochemically Active Bacteria from an Anaerobic Digester Treating Food Waste and Their Characterization.

Studies have used anaerobic-digester sludge and/or effluent as inocula for bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), for power generation, while limited studies have isolated and characterized electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) that inhabit anaerobic digesters. In the present work, single-chamber MFCs were operated using the anaerobic-digester effluent as the sole source of organics and microbes, and attempts were made to isolate EAB from anode biofilms in MFCs by repeated anaerobic cultivations on agar plates. Red colonies were selected from those grown on the agar plates, resulting in the isolation of three phylogenetically diverse strains affiliated with the phyla Bacillota, Campylobacterota and Deferribacterota. All these strains are capable of current generation in pure-culture BESs, while they exhibit different electrochemical properties as assessed by cyclic voltammetry. The analyses of their cell-free extracts show that cytochromes are abundantly present in their cells, suggesting their involvement in current generation. The results suggest that anaerobic digesters harbor diverse EAB, and it would be of interest to examine their ecological niches in anaerobic digestion.

Effects of Co3O4 modified with MoS2 on microbial fuel cells performance

In this study, Co3O4@MoS2 is prepared as anodic catalytic material for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). As the mass fraction of MoS2 is 20%, the best performance of Co3O4@MoS2 composite catalytic material is achieved, and the addition of MoS2 enhances both the electrical conductivity and catalytic performance of the composite catalyst. Through the structural characterization of Co3O4@MoS2 composite catalytic material, nanorod-like Co3O4 and lamellar MoS2 interweaved and stacked each other, and the agglomeration of Co3O4 is weakened. Among the four groups of single-chamber MFCs constructed, the Co3O4@MoS2-MFC shows the best power production performance with a maximum stable output voltage of to 539 mV and a maximum power density of up to 2221 mW/m2. Additionally, the ammonia nitrogen removal rate of the MFCs loaded with catalysts is enhanced by about 10% compared with the blank carbon cloth MFC. Overall, the findings suggest that Co3O4@MoS2 composite catalysts can significantly improve the performance of MFCs, making them more effective for both energy production and wastewater treatment.

Impact of Air-Cathodes on Operational Stability of Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Biosensors for Wastewater Monitoring

The increasing global water pollution leads to the need for urgent development of rapid and accurate water quality monitoring methods. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as real-time biosensors for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), but they grapple with several challenges, including issues related to reproducibility, operational stability, and cost-effectiveness. These challenges are substantially shaped by the selection of an appropriate air-breathing cathode. Previous studies indicated a critical influence of the cathode on both the enduring electrochemical performance of MFCs and the taxonomic diversity at the electroactive anode. However, the effect of different gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) on 3D-printed single-chamber MFCs for BOD biosensing application and its effect on the bioelectroactive anode was not investigated before. Our study focuses on comparing GDE cathode materials to enhance MFC performance for precise and rapid BOD analysis in wastewater. We examined for over 120 days two Pt-coated air-breathing cathodes with distinct carbonaceous gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and catalyst layers (CLs): cost-effective carbon paper (CP) with hand-coated CL and more expensive woven carbon cloth (CC) with CL pre-applied by the supplier. The results show significant differences in electrochemical characteristics and anodic biofilm composition between MFCs with CP and CC GDE cathodes. CP-MFCs exhibited lower sensitivity (16.6 C L mg−1 m−2) and a narrower dynamic range (25 to 600 mg L−1), attributed to biofouling-related degradation of the GDE. In contrast, CC-MFCs demonstrated superior performance with higher sensitivity (37.6 C L mg−1 m−2) and a broader dynamic range (25 to 800 mg L−1). In conclusion, our study underscores the pivotal role of cathode selection in 3D-printed MFC biosensors, influencing anodic biofilm enrichment time and overall BOD assessment performance. We recommend the use of cost-effective CP GDL with hand-coated CL for short-term MFC biosensor applications, while advocating for CC GDL supplied with CL as the preferred choice for long-term sensing implementations with enduring reliability.

Role of Graphene-Silver Nanocomposite as Anode to Boost Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Performance

Role of Graphene-Silver Nanocomposite as Anode to Boost Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Performance

Bioenergy generation and wastewater treatment with nickel pyrophosphate as a novel cathode catalyst in single-chamber microbial fuel cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer an attractive solution for wastewater treatment integrated with sustainable energy generation. This study assesses nickel pyrophosphate (Ni2P2O7) as a novel cathode catalyst for oxygen reduction in single-chamber MFCs. Ni2P2O7 was synthesized via hydrothermal methods and thermally treated, with its structure and morphology confirmed by XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TGA analyses. The Ni2P2O7-based MFCs achieved a peak power density of 499 mW/m³ and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 60 %. These findings, combined with the low cost of Ni2P2O7, suggest its potential as an effective and economical alternative to noble metal catalysts, encouraging further optimization for industrial applications.

Electroactive Brevundimonas diminuta consortium mediated selenite bioreduction, biogenesis of selenium nanoparticles and bio-electricity generation

In this study, highly selenite-resistant strains belonging to Brevundimonas diminuta (OK287021, OK287022) genus were isolated from previously operated single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC). The central composite design showed that the B. diminuta consortium could reduce selenite. Under optimum conditions, 15.38 Log CFU mL-1 microbial growth, 99.08% Se(IV) reduction, and 89.94% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were observed. Moreover, the UV–visible spectroscopy (UV) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the synthesis of elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the formation of SeNPs nano-spheres. Besides, the bioelectrochemical performance of B. diminuta in the SCMFC illustrated that the maximum power density was higher in the case of selenite SCMFCs than those of the sterile control SCMFCs. Additionally, the bioelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry characterization illustrated the production of definite extracellular redox mediators that might be involved in the electron transfer progression during the reduction of selenite. In conclusion, B. diminuta whose electrochemical activity has never previously been reported could be a suitable and robust biocatalyst for selenite bioreduction along with wastewater treatment, bioelectricity generation, and economical synthesis of SeNPs in MFCs.

The Important Role of Denitrifying Exoelectrogens in Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells after Nitrate Exposure

The Important Role of Denitrifying Exoelectrogens in Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells after Nitrate Exposure

Application of microbial fuel cell and high voltage booster in the dual cathode electro-Fenton treatment of RO16 dye

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) powered dual cathode electro-Fenton (DCEF) advanced oxidation process was used for the Reactive Orange 16 (RO16) dye treatment. As MFC is known for its high membrane costs and low power densities, we used a single-chamber MFC with anodic cell exposure to air to limit the substrate loss caused by the methanogenesis activity and achieve higher power output. The developed MFC shows 672.20 mW/m3 of maximum volumetric power density (Pmax). Although, the developed MFCs generate renewable energy from wastewater; the resulting power is too low for any practical application. Therefore, we designed here a newly developed low-voltage booster (LVB) to extract useful power. With the low output, the MFC voltage (around 0.4 V) was effectively increased to 12.2 ± 0.02 V without experiencing any voltage reversal problems. Furthermore, even after detaching the LVB from the MFC, the boosted voltage (12.2 ± 0.02 V) was consistently maintained for more than 10 h. We believe that this type of low voltage booted electrical circuit MFC-powered system will offer a more energy-efficient and economical method for treating textile industrial dye pollutants.

MFC Performance with Additional Micronutrients in Food Waste Substrate

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) are the one of utilization of waste for renewable energy continues to be developed. According to the FAO, 32% of all food for human consumption is discarded about 1.3 billion tonnes per year. In this study, Microbial Fuel Cells used an organic source in the form of food waste that had been hydrolyzed by Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus aculeatus, and Candida rugosa. The results of the hydrolysis are entered into the MFC system. In the MFC system it is mixed with Sidoarjo mud and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, then put into a Single Chamber microbial fuel cell (SC-MFC) to generate electricity. In this research, also added micronutrients (Mg2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Cr2+, and Zn2+) to increase the metabolic of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 bacteria, so can elevate electric currents. electrons and protons are produced by microorganisms by changing organic compounds in the substrate. The results showed that the best power density was 6.652 W/m2 with BOD 89.362% and COD removal 77.273% achieved with a ratio of food waste to water of 2:1 M. Food hydrolysis is capable of hydrolyzing 40% food waste into glucose within 24 hours. The greatest percentage of glucose decreased was achieved by Cobalt micronutrient addition with 77% of glucose decreased. Therefore, MFC can be greatly enhance food waste degradation to become a carbon source in a microbial fuel cell for electricity production.

Sustainable Electricity Production Using Avocado Waste

Agroindustry waste has exponentially increased in recent years, generating economic losses and environmental problems. In addition, new ways to generate sustainable alternative electrical energy are currently being sought to satisfy energy demand. This investigation proposes using avocado waste as fuel for electricity generation in single-chamber MFCs. The avocado waste initially operated with an ambient temperature (22.4 ± 0.01 °C), DO of 2.54 ± 0.01 mg/L, TDS of 1358 ± 1 mg/L and COD of 1487.25 ± 0.01 mg/L. This research managed to generate its maximum voltage (0.861 ± 0.241 V) and current (3.781 ± 0.667 mA) on the fourteenth day, operating at an optimal pH of 7.386 ± 0.147, all with 126.032 ± 8.888 mS/cm of electrical conductivity in the substrate. An internal resistance of 67.683 ± 2.456 Ω was found on day 14 with a PD of 365.16 ± 9.88 mW/cm2 for a CD of 5.744 A/cm2. Micrographs show the formation of porous biofilms on both the anodic and cathodic electrodes. This study gives preliminary results of using avocado waste as fuel, which can provide outstanding solutions to agro-industrial companies dedicated to selling this fruit.

Performance of a Fe-N-C Catalyst in Single-chamber MFC Air-cathode at Neutral Media

Performance of a Fe-N-C Catalyst in Single-chamber MFC Air-cathode at Neutral Media

Non-precious HfO2 nanoparticle as an alternative cathode catalyst for microbial fuel cell applications

This study evaluated hafnium oxide (HfO2) as a cathode catalyst material in air-cathode single-chamber microbial fuel cells (SCMFCs). Various HfO2 crystalline phases, synthesized via a precipitation method under specific temperature conditions, were examined for electrochemical performance in MFCs, including voltage, power generation, cyclic voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopy. The MFC-600 °C variant outperformance MFC-500 °C and MFC-700 °C yielding power density of 1152 ± 9 mW m−2 and voltage 284 ± 8 mV. In a double loading (DL) configuration (1 mg cm−2), MFC-600 °C exhibited higher power density than single loading and triple loading. The MFC-600 °C DL electrode showed up to 57.3% of the performance of the traditional Pt/C cathode (2009 ± 12 mW m−2). On the other hand, when considering catalyst loading, the 10% Pt/C (0.5 mg cm−1) had a lower power density than the HfO2 600 °C DL (1 mg cm−1): 4.018 mW m−2 g−1 vs. 11.52 mW m−2 g−1. These findings highlight the promising viability of the HfO2 cathode as an economically advantageous catalyst material for MFCs, potentially paving the way for commercialization.

Enhancing microbial fuel cell performance with carbon powder electrode modifications for low-power sensors modules

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a promising technology for harnessing energy from organic compounds. However, the low power generation of MFCs remains a significant challenge that hinders their commercial viability. In this study, we reported three distinct modifications to the stainless-steel mesh (SSM), carbon cloth, and carbon felt electrodes using carbon powder (CP), a mixture of CP and ferrum, and a blend of CP with sodium citrate and ethanol. The MFC equipped with an SSM and CP anode showed a notable power density of 1046.89 mW.m-2. In comparison, the bare SSM anode achieved a maximum power density of 145.8 mW m-2. Remarkably, the 3D-modified SSM with a CP anode (3D-SSM-CP) MFC exhibited a substantial breakthrough, attaining a maximum power density of 1417.07 mW m-2. This achievement signifies a significant advancement over the performance of the unaltered SSM anode, underscoring the effectiveness of our modification approach. Subsequently, the 3D-SSM-CP electrode was integrated into single-chamber MFCs, which were used to power a LoRaWAN IoT device through a power management system. The modification methods improved the MFC performance while involving low-cost and easy fabricating techniques. The results of this study are expected to contribute to improving MFC's performance, bringing them closer to becoming a practical source of renewable energy.

The Effect of Nutrients in Anodic Chamber to the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)

This paper describes a device known as a Single-chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (SMFC) that was used to generate bioelectricity from plant waste containing lignocellulosic components, such as bamboo leaves, rice husk and coconut waste, with various anodic chamber substrate compositions. The maximum power density among all assembled SMFCs was determined to be 231.18 mW/m2, generated by coconut waste. This model’s bioelectricity production was enhanced by adding organic compost to the anodic chamber, which acts as a catalyst in the system. The maximum power density of 788.58 mW/m2 was attained using a high proportion of coconut waste (CW) and organic compost. These results show that the higher percentage of lignin in CW improved the bioelectricity of SMFC.