Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are regarded as one of the best potential natural resources to be discovered as a way towards reducing the over-dependence on fossil-fuel-based electricity generation. But, Limitations of advanced study on MFCs have slow-downed its development. Moreover, Low power generations from MFCs, expensive electrode materials, and the inability to scale up MFCs to industrially relevant capacities have made that worse. However, the Utilization of MFC in the arena of electro-chemistry and thermal science can be very promising in other aspects. In this work, we studied various materials and processes that can be applied to construct economical MFCs on small scale. Then, a Charge-Discharge cycling experiment was conducted on the Cell. During the test, Voltage generation close to Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) was identified which shows MFCs can be used as batteries. Next, a single spherical particle one-dimensional (1D) physics-based thermo-electrochemical model was developed to investigate the potential overall performance of MFC as an energy storage device. Using our model in simulation, we validated the experimental results to predict the techniques required to analyze the system's optimum performance and provided recommendations on theories and parameters to include in MFC studies to achieve the best possible outcomes. The outcome of this work will provide useful information on the concept of MFC and design guidelines for various applications.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a new source of renewable energy where wastewater is used as fuel. Various microorganisms and organic and inorganic compounds are present in wastewater. Microorganisms with various reactions produce electricity using these organic compounds. Advanced study on MFCs can bring it to practical use and reduce the over dependence on fossil fuel. But expensive proton exchange membranes (PEM), electrode material and low power generation is a big barrier towards its development. Besides the share of solid food waste in municipal waste is increasing day by day. Food waste has high number of bio-degradable compounds which can be used as the fuel of MFC. In current study, three MFCs are made with food waste solution and three different combinations of easily available electrode materials such as Copper, Zinc and Graphite. The measured voltage had its peak values between 8 to 10 hours since the experiment started. With the help of various equations, a one-dimensional single particle half-cell model was generated which was used to simulate voltage graph with respect to time. The experimental value was compared with the simulation result for each cell. The validation of experimental result was used to predict the best possible combination of electrodes in microbial fuel cell with food waste solution. Detail of this research will provide useful information on the usage of various electrode materials and food waste to be used in MFC.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are considered as one of the best prospective natural resources to be discovered on the way to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity generation. However, low power generations from MFCs, expensive electrode materials, and the inability to scale-ups MFCs to industrially relevant capacities have made the usage of MFC even worse. The utilization of MFCs in the area of electro-chemistry and thermal science can be very promising in energy storage aspects. In this current study, we studied various combinations of electrode materials and processes that can be applied to construct economical MFCs on small scale. To figure out the best suited MFC setup, MFC systems are prepared using different electrode materials and impacts of these materials on voltage generation are investigated. The cells are observed for 10 h, and voltage generation is witnessed by natural chemical reaction. Then, voltage, current, and power density curves are generated. Next, a pseudo-two-dimensional (2D) physics-based mathematical full cell model is developed to investigate the best suited MFC as a potential energy storage device. It is observed that the numerical results generated from the model are in good agreement with those obtained from the experimental analyses. Hence, the model should be able to predict the better performing anode and cathode materials to build microbial fuel cells having a maximum amount of voltage storage capacity in a specific period. Details of this work will provide more useful information on the concept of MFC and design guidelines for several applications such as energy storage and transformation.

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Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as a viable method for bioremediation of toxic metals while also producing energy. In this paper, we examine the issue of organic substrate as a source of metabolism for microbe growth in MFC, as well as its significance for metal ion degradation in tandem with energy production. This study focused on the use of commercial sugar as an organic substrate in a single-chamber MFC. The MFC was operated for 27 days, with the highest voltage of 150 mV achieved on day 12, and toxic metal bioremediation efficiencies of 89%, 76.45%, and 89.45% for Pb2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+, respectively. Every 24 hours, the organic substrate (sugar solution) was fed into the cell. This study’s mechanism of metal ion degradation and electron transport is also thoroughly described. In addition, some future views have been highlighted.