Biological Fuel Cells and Membranes

Abstract

Biofuel cells have been widely used to generate bioelectricity. Early biofuel cells employ a semi-permeable membrane to separate the anodic and cathodic compartments. The impact of different membrane materials and compositions has also been explored. Some membrane materials are employed strictly as membrane separators, while some have gained significant attention in the immobilization of enzymes or microorganisms within or behind the membrane at the electrode surface. The membrane material affects the transfer rate of the chemical species (e.g., fuel, oxygen molecules, and products) involved in the chemical reaction, which in turn has an impact on the performance of the biofuel cell. For enzymatic biofuel cells, Nafion, modified Nafion, and chitosan membranes have been used widely and continue to hold great promise in the long-term stability of enzymes and microorganisms encapsulated within them. This article provides a review of the most widely used membrane materials in the development of enzymatic and microbial biofuel cells.

Microalgae‐microbial fuel cell (mMFC): an integrated process for electricity generation, wastewater treatment,CO2sequestration and biomass production

“…The membrane material is also a main concern in mMFC as it influences the transfer rate of chemical species in the fuel cell 77 . The transfer of cations from the anode to cathode compartment takes place due to the potential gradient across the membrane 78 .…”

Recent advances in constructed wetland‐microbial fuel cells for simultaneous bioelectricity production and wastewater treatment: A review

“…The use of membranes in bioelectrochemical systems is essential to have a better control of the electrochemical reactions between the electrocatalytic enzymes and the substrate on anode surface . The proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are used as an electrolyte separator between the anodic and cathodic chamber when the cell is of double chamber, allowing the flow of protons from anode chamber to cathodic chamber.…”

Catalyst Development of Microbial Fuel Cells for Renewable-Energy Production

“…Also, some factors to consider, such as durability and cost, are important for selecting CEM. At present, Nafion is popular for many MFCs [30,31].…”