Microbial fuel cells (MFCs)

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a sustainable energy technology that harnesses the metabolic activity of microorganisms to generate electricity from organic matter. MFCs have been researched and developed for various applications, including power plants. The technology involves electrogenic bacteria that break down organic compounds like sugars and produce electrons and protons as byproducts. These electrons are transferred to the anode, creating an electrical current that can be harnessed as electricity. Oxygen is introduced at the cathode, where it reacts with protons and electrons to form water, completing the circuit and allowing the electrogenic bacteria to continue producing electrons.

One key area of improvement in MFC technology is the optimization of electrode materials. Researchers have explored the use of novel materials, such as graphene-based electrodes, with higher surface areas and enhanced conductivity to improve electron transfer kinetics and overall power output. Additionally, researchers have focused on developing biofilms with robust microbial consortia capable of efficiently oxidizing organic substrates and transferring electrons to the electrode surface. Genetic engineering techniques have been employed to enhance the metabolic pathways of electrogenic bacteria, thereby improving electron transfer rates and MFC performance.

Another area of advancement is the design and engineering of MFC reactors for enhanced scalability and efficiency. Researchers have explored various reactor configurations, including continuous flow, batch, and membrane-based systems. These configurations optimize substrate utilization and electron transfer while minimizing energy losses. Efforts have also been made to integrate MFCs into existing wastewater treatment plants or industrial processes. This leverages organic waste streams to generate electricity while simultaneously treating wastewater or organic pollutants, making MFCs an even more sustainable technology.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a fascinating technology that generates electricity using the natural metabolic processes of bacteria. These bacteria, known as electrogenic bacteria, break down organic matter and produce electrons and protons as byproducts. Inside the MFC, there is a negatively charged electrode called the anode, where the electrons released by the bacteria are transferred, creating an electrical current that can be used to power devices or charge batteries. Meanwhile, at the positively charged electrode called the cathode, oxygen reacts with protons and electrons to form water, completing the circuit. By harnessing the power of bacteria, MFCs act like tiny power plants that convert organic matter into electricity.

Finally, advancements in monitoring and control systems have enabled real-time tracking of MFC performance parameters such as voltage, current, power output, and microbial community dynamics. This allows operators to optimize operating conditions, troubleshoot issues, and maximize energy recovery from MFCs. By optimizing electrode materials, enhancing microbial consortia, refining reactor design, and implementing advanced monitoring and control systems, researchers aim to unlock the full potential of MFCs as a sustainable energy technology.

References:

1.https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/microbial-fuel-cell

2.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microbial_fuel_cell

3.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8088421/

4.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-75916-7

5.https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-explained/microbial-fuel-cells

6.https://bioresourcesbioprocessing.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40643-016-0116-6

7.https://fabe.osu.edu/mfcfacts

8.https://www.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/labo/water/English/E_researchMFC.html

9.https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/introduction-microbial-fuel-cells-mfcs-sustainable-approach-s

This article is a part of the class “751447 SEM IN CUR ECON PROB” supervised by Asst. Prof. Napon Hongsakulvasu Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University.

This article was written by Anna Kangwannavakul student ID 631615063