Algal Fuel Cell

Abstract

Algal Fuel Cells (AFC) are bioelectric devices that use photosynthetic organisms to turn light and biochemical energy into electrical energy. The potential of a fully biotic AFC still remains an unexplored area of research and hence it has led to rethink the prospective use of plant-based bioelectricity. AFC consists of an anode and a cathode connected by an external electric circuit and separated internally by a membrane/no membrane in which the growth of algae is assessed. The key parameters for evaluating the performance of AFC are electrodes, separators, oxygen supplement, nutrients and its configurations. By controlling these parameters, the electric power production can be optimized. This chapter discusses the recent trends examined by a number of researchers and are interpreted to gain a better understanding. It is stressed that a greater focus must be given for a complete comprehension of the algal processes required for the development of AFC applications. Thus, it can be concluded that a further development of AFC technology with reduced costs and improved performance is required for sustainable development.

Electrical Energy Generation by Microbial Fuel Cells With Microalgae on the Cathode

“…These results suggest that sunlight could serve as a viable light source for MFCs. Sivakumar et al [30] emphasized that the MFC with algae could be employed for long-term, low-maintenance power production, especially in applications such as wastewater treatment and living solar cells. Notably, MFCs eliminate the need for toxic and costly catalysts, reducing the risk of pollution.…”

Towards Sustainable Energy: Harnessing Microalgae Biofuels for a Greener Future

“…In certain cases, a proton exchange membrane may also be present [48]. The main working principle of an algal fuel cell is the breakdown of organic material at the anode, which produces electrons that move along a cable to the cathode and produce electrical energy [35]. To facilitate the operation of the algal fuel cell, the algae are introduced into the device in the form of a biofilm that adheres to a partially exposed cathode.…”

“…This process is crucial for the overall functioning of the fuel cell system, as it generates essential components such as carbon dioxide, protons, and electrons. To maximize the use of available resources and drive the oxidation reactions, the interaction between the microbial and algal communities is crucial [35,45,53]. Understanding and optimizing the oxidation processes at the anode is essential for enhancing the efficiency and performance of microbial algal fuel cells.…”

“…Carbon dioxide utilization is one of the main advantages of algae fuel cells (AFCs) compared to typical microbial fuel cells. To achieve carbon sequestration, a gas outlet pipe is connected from the anode chamber to the microalgaefilled cathode chamber, where the organism's growth occurs [35,62]. Some reactor designs have a sparger inside the cathode chamber to provide carbon dioxide.…”

“…The use of algae in a fuel cell is advantageous as it not only produces power but also produces biomass that can be used as feedstock for biofuel. MFCs, using microalgae as biocatalysts in the cathodic chamber, generate high power density at low reactor volume [35].…”