Electricity generation by a plant microbial fuel cell with an integrated oxygen reducing biocathode. (1st January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wetser, Koen; Sudirjo, Emilius; Buisman, Cees J.N.; Strik, David P.B.T.B.
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 137(2015:Jan. 01)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2015-01-01
• Subjects: Plant microbial fuel cell -- Oxygen reducing biocathode -- Spartina anglica -- Bio-electricity; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.10.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: An oxygen reducing biocathode was successfully integrated in a PMFC. New two week record average power densities of 240 mW/m 2 PGA. 127 mV higher cathode potential with a biocathode than with a chemical cathode. PMFC is completely sustainable technology with biocatalyst in the anode and cathode. Abstract: In this study we show that a chemical ferricyanide cathode can be replaced by a biological oxygen reducing cathode in a plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) with a new record power output. A biocathode was successfully integrated in a PMFC and operated for 151 days. Plants growth continued and the power density increased reaching a maximum power output of 679 mW/m 2 plant growth area (PGA) in a 10 min polarization. The two week record average power densities was 240 mW/m 2 PGA. The new records were reached due to the high redox potential of oxygen reduction which was effectively catalyzed by microorganisms in the cathode. This resulted in a 127 mV higher cathode potential of the PMFC with a biocathode than a PMFC with a ferricyanide cathode. We also found that substrate availability in the anode likely limits the current generation. This work is crucial for PMFC application as it shows that PMFC can be a completely sustainable biotechnology with an improved power output.