A novel small scale Microbial Fuel Cell design for increased electricity generation and waste water treatment. (22nd March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Papaharalabos, George; Greenman, John; Melhuish, Chris; Ieropoulos, Ioannis
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 40:Number 11(2015)
• Page Start: 4263
• Page End: 4268
• Publication Date: 2015-03-22
• Subjects: Small scale microbial fuel cells -- Rapid prototype materials -- Urine -- Twist n' Play design -- COD removal; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.01.117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are a sustainable energy technology with minimal carbon footprint, which is promising for wastewater remediation and generation of useful amounts of electricity. This study focuses on the architecture and rapid prototyping materials used for building MFCs and their effect on overall performance. Three MFC variants of the same design were constructed using ABS, PC-ISO and RC25 materials and were compared with an established MFC design. MFCs were assessed in terms of power production and COD reduction both individually and when connected electrically in parallel. In all cases the new design showed a better power output and COD removal. The order of performance in terms of power production and COD reduction for individual MFCs was PC-ISO, RC25 and ABS. However when triplets of the same materials were joined electrically together, then the order was different with RC25 outperforming ABS and PC-ISO, which was dependent on the materials' properties. It is concluded that the best performing individual MFC may not necessarily result in the best performing stack. Highlights: A novel new design for small-scale MFCs (Twist n' Play) is presented. Difference in performance on each MFC due to unique material properties. MFCs made from PC-ISO achieved the highest power output as individual unit. MFCs made from RC25 Nanocure produced the highest power when stacked (n = 3). New design MFC treating human urine at higher efficiency than the control design.