Power Density Enhancement of Anion-Exchange Membrane-Installed Microbial Fuel Cell Under Bicarbonate-Buffered Cathode Condition

Abstract

We introduce a high-performance microbial fuel cell (MFC) that was operated using a 0.1 M bicarbonate buffer as the cathodic electrolyte. The MFC had a 136.42 mW/m(2) maximum power density under continuous feeding of 5 mM acetate as fuel. Results of the electrode potential measurements showed that the cathode potential of the bicarbonate-buffered condition was higher than the phosphate-buffered condition, although the phosphate condition had less interfacial resistance between the membrane and electrolyte. Therefore, we posit here that the increased power of the bicarbonate-buffered MFC may be caused by the higher cathode potential rather than by the interfacial membrane-electrolyte resistance.

Production of Acetate from Carbon Dioxide in Bioelectrochemical Systems Based on Autotrophic Mixed Culture

“…The cathode was densely covered with microorganisms but the populations were stable and monotonous. Although the cathode potential is a critical factor in the performance of the BESs, other factors, including the presence of toxic chemicals (i.e., sulfide) [27], pH [10,20] and the electrode material [30], may need to be examined in future studies to better understand and optimize the performance of BESs. The overall advantages of BESs for wastewater treatment and biofuel production from carbon dioxide could make them an important method for bioenergy production in the future.…”

Separators used in microbial electrochemical technologies: Current status and future prospects

“…AEM functions better than CEM as a separator of METs probably because of the easier diffusion of OH À through AEM than proton through CEM under MFC conditions (Piao et al, 2013). There are several hypotheses to explain better performance of MFCs with AEMs than those with CEM.…”

“…There are several hypotheses to explain better performance of MFCs with AEMs than those with CEM. AEMs have lower ion transport resistance and less membrane fouling and cathode resistance caused by the precipitation of transported cations (Piao et al, 2013). AEM has higher substrate permeability from the anode to cathode chamber which causes mixed potentials at the cathode and parasitic currents .…”

Microbial fuel cells—A preferred technology to prevail energy crisis

“…Piao et al found that under MFCs conditions, AEM separator exhibited superior performance as compared to CEM due to feasible diffusion of hydroxyl ions in AEM than proton through CEM separator. 143 In addition, AEMs possess lower resistance of ion transfer, and higher permeability of substrate from anode chamber towards cathode that leads to the mixed potential at cathode and parasitic currents. 144 Furthermore, in single chambered air cathode AEMs are more liable to deformation than CEM.…”