Contribution of configurations, electrode and membrane materials, electron transfer mechanisms, and cost of components on the current and future development of microbial fuel cells

Borja-Maldonado, Fátima; Zavala, Miguel Ángel López

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09849

Cited by 33 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 235 publications

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“…This may be associated whit the fact that HCl dissociates almost completely in aqueous solutions, which makes it an excellent conductor of electricity and a good electrolyte [ 44 ]. Moreover, the low pH ( Figure 6 ) in the anodic chamber as a result of the diffusion of the catholyte through the membrane could contribute to generation of electricity, since pH in MFCs is a parameter that can affect the energy production and the growth of electrogenic microorganisms (microorganisms that oxidize a substrate and release electrons that can be transferred to an external medium [ 7 ]) [ 45 ]. Jang et al [ 46 ] also reported an improvement in the current when they used HCl in the cathodic chamber compared to the use of sodium chloride (NaCl), and they attributed this to the increase in the protons availability to the cathode.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessment of Graphite, Graphene, and Hydrophilic-Treated Graphene Electrodes to Improve Power Generation and Wastewater Treatment in Microbial Fuel Cells

Borja-Maldonado

Zavala

2023

Bioengineering

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In this study, graphite, graphene, and hydrophilic-treated graphene electrodes were evaluated in a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (DC-MFC). Free-oxygen conditions were promoted in anodic and cathodic chambers. Hydrochloric acid at 0.1 M and pH 1.1 was used as a catholyte, in addition to deionized water in the cathodic chamber. Domestic wastewater was used as a substrate, and a DuPontTM Nafion 117 membrane was used as a proton exchange membrane. The maximum power density of 32.07 mW·m−2 was obtained using hydrophilic-treated graphene electrodes and hydrochloric acid as catholyte. This power density was 1.4-fold and 32-fold greater than that of graphene (22.15 mW·m−2) and graphite (1.02 mW·m−2), respectively, under the same operational conditions. In addition, the maximum organic matter removal efficiencies of 69.8% and 75.5% were obtained using hydrophilic-treated graphene electrodes, for hydrochloric acid catholyte and deionized water, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that the use of hydrophilic-treated graphene functioning as electrodes in DC-MFCs, and hydrochloric acid as a catholyte, favored power density when domestic wastewater is degraded. This opens up new possibilities for improving DC-MFC performance through the selection of suitable new electrode materials and catholytes.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, carbon-based materials are most commonly used as electrodes in MFCs. For example, graphite is a widely used material, due to important advantages such as high biocompatibility, high availability, and low cost (compared to metal-based materials) [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Graphite, Graphene, and Hydrophilic-Treated Graphene Electrodes to Improve Power Generation and Wastewater Treatment in Microbial Fuel Cells

Borja-Maldonado

Zavala

2023

Bioengineering

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“…However, the limitations associated with MFCs hinder their penetration at the industrial scale. In MFCs, the kinetics of microorganisms, development of optimized biofilm, and efficient electron transference between catalyst and electrodes have to be enhanced to supply a stable voltage and high power output, especially when waste substrates are used [ 162 ]. Therefore, it is necessary to develop highly efficient anodes for MFCs to facilitate the above-mentioned processes [ 15 ].…”

Section: Future Perspective and Recommendations To Improve Microbial ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial Fuel Cell Construction Features and Application for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment

et al. 2023

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A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a system that can generate electricity by harnessing microorganisms’ metabolic activity. MFCs can be used in wastewater treatment plants since they can convert the organic matter in wastewater into electricity while also removing pollutants. The microorganisms in the anode electrode oxidize the organic matter, breaking down pollutants and generating electrons that flow through an electrical circuit to the cathode compartment. This process also generates clean water as a byproduct, which can be reused or released back into the environment. MFCs offer a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional wastewater treatment plants, as they can generate electricity from the organic matter in wastewater, offsetting the energy needs of the treatment plants. The energy requirements of conventional wastewater treatment plants can add to the overall cost of the treatment process and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. MFCs in wastewater treatment plants can increase sustainability in wastewater treatment processes by increasing energy efficiency and reducing operational cost and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the build-up to the commercial-scale still needs a lot of study, as MFC research is still in its early stages. This study thoroughly describes the principles underlying MFCs, including their fundamental structure and types, construction materials and membrane, working mechanism, and significant process elements influencing their effectiveness in the workplace. The application of this technology in sustainable wastewater treatment, as well as the challenges involved in its widespread adoption, are discussed in this study.

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“…Carbon-based materials are commonly applied as anode or cathode electrodes in MFC because they are biocompatible and have a fast electron transfer rate [77,78]. The anode materials were selected based on the redox reactions of microorganisms in the anode chamber.…”

Section: Electrode Materials For Mesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial Electrochemical Systems and Membrane Bioreactor Technology for Wastewater Treatment

et al. 2023

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Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are promising technologies for wastewater treatment and generation of electricity from organic matter. The application of MBRs is limited due to membrane fouling and high energy consumption. The novel design of the coupling system of microbial fuel cell and membrane bioreactor (MFC-MBR), which efficiently combines microbial degradation in MFCs and uses the microelectric field to reduce and mitigate membrane fouling in MBR. The fundamentals of extracellular electron transport, the performance of MFCs, different types of MBR systems, and the novelty of the MFC-MBR coupling system for wastewater treatment are reviewed.

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Contribution of configurations, electrode and membrane materials, electron transfer mechanisms, and cost of components on the current and future development of microbial fuel cells

Cited by 33 publications

References 235 publications

Assessment of Graphite, Graphene, and Hydrophilic-Treated Graphene Electrodes to Improve Power Generation and Wastewater Treatment in Microbial Fuel Cells

Assessment of Graphite, Graphene, and Hydrophilic-Treated Graphene Electrodes to Improve Power Generation and Wastewater Treatment in Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial Fuel Cell Construction Features and Application for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment

Microbial Electrochemical Systems and Membrane Bioreactor Technology for Wastewater Treatment

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