Ajibade Israel oluwabori 215318

Ayansola Timothy Ayantayo 215328

TAE 510 Report
June 2024

WHAT IS A MICROBIAL FUEL CELL?

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that converts chemical energy into
electrical energy. It can also be defined as a device that utilizes the power of microorganisms to
generate electricity. An MFC is an innovative technology that offers a sustainable solution for
wastewater treatment and bioenergy generation.

BACKGROUND
The concept of using microbes to produce electricity was first conceived in the early 20th
century, with the pioneering work of Michael Cressé Potter in 1911. Potter demonstrated the
ability to generate electricity from the fermentation of glucose by the microorganism
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, though his work received little attention at the time.
In the following decades, the fundamental principles of MFCs were further developed. In 1931,
Barnett Cohen created microbial half-fuel cells that could produce over 35 volts when connected
in series. Later, in the 1970s, researchers like Robin M. Allen and H. Peter Bennetto helped build
a deeper understanding of how MFCs function and their potential applications.

STAGES INVOLVED IN MFCS

The main principle of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) revolves around using the metabolic processes
of microorganisms to generate electricity. The key steps involved in the process as are follows:

 Microbial Feast: This is the first step in the electricity generation process of an MFC.
The MFC provides an environment for electrogenic bacteria. These microbes "eat"
organic matter present in the anode chamber. This organic matter can be anything from
wastewater to biodegradable food scraps. As they break down the organic material for
energy, the bacteria release electrons and protons. This takes us to the next stage.
  Electron Highway: This is a pathway for electrons in the MFC. The anode in the MFC is
designed to capture the released electrons from the previous stage. It is made of a
conductive material that allows the electrons to flow towards it.

 Selective Passage: A separator membrane is positioned in between the anode and cathode
chambers. This membrane is very crucial and important. This membrane acts as a
monitor, allowing for the movement of specific ions( this is why it is called selective
passage). It allows only protons, not the larger charged molecules or bacteria themselves,
to pass through to the cathode chamber.

 The Missing Piece: The cathode chamber also contains an electrode but with a different
role. Here, an oxidizing agent (often oxygen from the air) accepts the protons that passed
through the membrane.

 Completion of the Circuit: An external circuit connects the anode and cathode
electrodes. Electrons cannot flow directly through the membrane, so they travel through
this external circuit, generating an electric current.

 The Power of Oxygen: Oxygen also plays a very vital role within the MFC. It doesn't
directly participate in creating electricity within the MFC, but it's essential for the overall
cycle to function. At the cathode, the combination of electrons from the anode and the
oxidizing agent (like oxygen) completes a chemical reaction, allowing the MFC to
function continuously.

RELATION TO WASTE MANAGEMENT

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) holds a unique approach that tackles waste disposal while
simultaneously generating clean energy. MFCs can utilize various organic waste materials as fuel
for electrogenic bacteria. This includes wastewater, food scraps, and even agricultural residues.
When the organic matters are broken down, the bacteria generate electricity while consuming the
waste.
The MFC process can also remove some pollutants and pathogens from the wastewater,
contributing to its treatment and purification. Also by diverting organic waste from landfills,
MFCs can help to minimize methane emissions(a powerful greenhouse gas). In addition to this
generating electricity from waste reduces the dependence on fossil fuels, promoting a more
sustainable waste management approach.
MATERIALS USED
The materials used in a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) can be categorized into three main parts:

 The Anode
The anode is the powerhouse of the MFC where the microbial feast takes place. As the bacteria
break down organic matter in the anode chamber, they release electrons. The anode material,
with its conductive properties, acts as an electron acceptor, capturing these electrons from the
bacteria.
The material to be used at the anode should be conductive to efficiently collect electrons from
the bacteria. Example of materials that can be used are: Graphite felt, carbon fiber brushes,
treated stainless steel. These materials have large surface area for bacteria to attach.

 Separator Membrane
Its role in the MFC is acting as a silent conductor and a barrier between the anode and cathode
chambers. It ensures the smooth flow of the electrochemical dance while also maintaining order
within the MFC. Without a barrier, some electrons released by the microbes might directly react
with the oxidizing agent (oxygen) in the cathode chamber. This can lead to a significant loss of
potential electricity generation.
There are two main types of membranes used in MFCs:
 Cation Exchange Membranes (CEMs)
 Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs)
The Cation Exchange Membranes (CEMs) are the most widely used membranes in MFCs. They
selectively allow the passage of positively charged ions (cations) like protons, while blocking
negatively charged ions (anions) and other larger molecules. They are commercially available,
relatively inexpensive, and offer good proton conductivity.
The Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs) allow the passage of negatively charged ions (anions)
along with protons. While less common in traditional MFCs with oxygen as the cathode electron
acceptor. AEMs are generally less commercially available and can be more expensive than
CEMs.
The ideal membrane for MFCS can be selected using this factors:
 Proton Permeability: High permeability for protons is essential to maintain a good flow
of charge carriers within the MFC.

 Selectivity: The membrane should effectively block unwanted species while allowing
efficient proton transport.

 Durability and Cost: The membrane needs to be long-lasting and cost-effective for
practical MFC applications.

 MFC Configuration: The specific type of MFC (e.g., with oxygen or alternative electron
acceptors) might influence the choice of CEM or AEM for optimal performance.

The Cathode
The cathode acts as the electron acceptor at the other end of the circuit. It receives electrons from
the external circuit and combines them with an oxidizing agent (often oxygen) to complete the
electrical circuit. : The material to be used should have good electrocatalytic activity for the
oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), efficiently accepting electrons e.g Carbon-based materials.
Other additional materials include
 Current Collectors
 MFC Housing

BENEFITS AND POTENTIAL OF MFC

The benefits of MFCs can be found below:
 Energy Generation and Cost Savings
One of the primary advantages of MFCs is their ability to generate electricity from the
organic matter present in wastewater. This electricity can then be used to power the
wastewater treatment process, reducing the overall energy costs associated with
traditional treatment methods. By offsetting the energy demands of wastewater treatment,
MFCs can significantly lower the operational expenses of these facilities.

 Environmental Benefits
Traditional wastewater treatment plants often rely on energy-intensive processes and the
use of chemicals, which can contribute to a substantial carbon footprint. On the contrary,
MFCs offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach. By harnessing the natural
metabolic processes of microorganisms, MFCs can treat wastewater while generating
 clean, renewable energy. This reduces the environmental impact of wastewater treatment,
making it a more sustainable solution

 Reduced Sludge Production

Another advantage of MFCs is their ability to reduce the amount of excess sludge
generated during the wastewater treatment process. Conventional treatment methods
typically produce large volumes of sludge that require costly disposal. MFCs, on the
other hand, can minimize sludge production by utilizing the organic matter in the
wastewater as a fuel source for electricity generation, rather than generating excess
biomass.

 Enhanced Nutrient Removal

MFCs have the potential to improve the removal of nutrients, such as nitrogen and
phosphorus, from wastewater. The electrochemical processes within the MFC can
facilitate the transformation and removal of these nutrients, contributing to better water
quality and reduced environmental impact.

 Versatility and Scalability

MFCs can be designed in various configurations, including single-chamber and double-
chamber systems, to suit different wastewater treatment needs. They can be scaled up to
handle larger volumes of wastewater, making them a versatile technology for a wide
range of applications, from small-scale community treatment to large-scale municipal
facilities.

LIMITATIONS OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS

Despite the promising potential of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for wastewater treatment and
energy generation, there are several key limitations that have hindered their adoption of this
method to industrial applications. Some of the limitations are:
 Low Power Output and Voltage Instability
One of the primary limitations of MFCs is the low power output. This power density is
insufficient to meet the energy requirements of large-scale wastewater treatment
facilities. Also, the production of voltage in MFCs is comparatively low and unstable,
making it very difficult to run the system without barriers. Variations in the composition
of microorganisms, organic matter concentration, and environmental conditions can lead
to reduced performance and instability in MFC systems.

 High Internal Resistance and Mass Transport Limitations

MFCs often suffer from high internal resistance, which reduces the efficiency of electron
transfer and limits the overall performance of the system . Mass transport limitations,
particularly in the anode compartment, can also hinder the supply of nutrients and the
 removal of metabolic byproducts, leading to reduced bacterial activity and power
generation .

 Biofouling and Membrane Fouling

Biofouling and membrane fouling are significant challenges in MFCs, especially when
using membranes to separate the anode and cathode compartments . The accumulation of
biomass and other materials on the membrane surface can increase the internal resistance
and reduce the mass transport of ions, ultimately decreasing the power output of the MFC
.
 High Material Costs
The materials used in MFCs, such as membranes, catalysts, and electrodes, are often
expensive, which increases the overall cost of the system . The high cost of materials is a
significant barrier to the widespread adoption of MFC technology, particularly for large-
scale applications.
In order to bypass these these limitations and enhance the further usage of the MFC technology,
these several strategies can be employed:
 Improving electrode materials and designs to enhance electron transfer and reduce
internal resistance .
 Developing novel membrane materials or membrane-less configurations to mitigate
biofouling and reduce the costs.
 Optimizing operating conditions and reactor designs to improve mass transport and scale-
up efficiency .
 Exploring alternative applications of MFCs, such as biosensors and small-scale power
sources, where their limitations may be less critical .
 Conducting further research to better understand the biology and electrochemistry of
MFCs, enabling the development of more efficient and cost-effective systems .

CONCLUSION
In Conclusion, Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology for sustainable
wastewater treatment and energy generation. Despite challenges like low power output and high
costs, ongoing research aims to enhance MFC efficiency. With their ability to generate electricity
from organic waste while reducing environmental impact, MFCs offer a greener solution for
waste management and energy production.

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