Microbial Fuel Cells for Electrical Energy: Outlook on Scaling-Up and Application Possibilities towards South African Energy Grid

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology turns chemical energy into bioelectricity in a clean and efficient manner, lowering carbon emissions and increasing bioenergy production. It is a multifaceted technique that has the potential to be a panacea for clean water scarcity and sustainable, renewable energy. In this review, the approach focuses on scaling-up and application prospects at a commercial scale. An outlook on various, previously tried methodologies was generated in order to establish a viable bioelectricity scaling-up approach that is also cost-effective in its design. Precise themes were followed to evaluate previously produced models and methodologies for MFCs: principle and anatomical mechanisms, basic applications, bioelectricity scaling-up potentials from previous work and limitations, then an outlook on MFC feasibility and its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) energy supply chain. The goal of this paper is to derive a viable approach from prior research in order to comprehend how MFC technology may be scaled-up for commercial and practical power output. Essentially, this article summarizes the current energy predicaments faced by South Africa and proposes MFCs as a new knowledge-contributing technology with electricity scaling-up potential. Conclusively, more research on MFC technique scaling-up operating factors is recommended.

Optimization and Modeling of a Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (DCMFC) for Industrial Wastewater Treatment: A Box–Behnken Design Approach

“…The paper highlights the practical applicability of DCMFCs as a sustainable and renewable bioenergy solution, particularly in addressing energy challenges faced in regions like South Africa, as reported by Shabangu et al [44,45], by recommending the potential of DCMFC technology for national grid connections, which is further investigated computationally for potential DCMFC inverter modeling and potential applications. This paper generally offers valuable insights into promoting sustainability in energy production.…”

Untreated vs. Treated Carbon Felt Anodes: Impacts on Power Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells

“…The electrons released during substrate oxidation at the anode are transferred to the cathode, typically via an oxygen reduction reaction. Despite the potential of MFCs for wastewater treatment and power generation, their real-world application remains limited due to challenges such as low power densities [5,6]. One of the primary factors influencing MFC performance is the efficiency of extracellular electron transfer (EET) at the anode, which is determined by the properties of the anode material [7].…”

Biosensors Based on Microbial Fuel Cells: A Brief Review

“…A bioelectrochemical system (BES) combines biological and electrochemical processes to convert chemical energy to electrical energy or the other way around [1,2,3]. Microbes like bacteria, archaea, Disclaimer/Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s).…”