Application of slow-release carbon sources embedded in polymer for stable and extended power generation in microbial fuel cells. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Wanlin; Quan, Xiangchun; Chen, Liang; Zheng, Yu
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 244(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Microbial fuel cell -- Slow-release carbon sources -- Microbial community -- Power generation; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125515
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Stable and long-term power output is a prerequisite for the application of the energy recovered from microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, a novel fuel supplying strategy based on slow-release carbon embedded in polymer gels was attempted in MFCs aimed to achieve a sustainable power generation. Polymer gels containing starch acetate as the carbon source (40% (w/w)) were prepared, and the effects of its loading dosage on power generation and microbial community structure were investigated. Results showed that the MFCs once fed with 20.0 g/L, 37.5 g/L and 55.0 g/L polymer gels attained a long-term power generation periods of 110, 140 and 170 days, respectively, with a maximum power density of 386–427 mW/m 2 . The MFC with a medium loading dosage (37.5 g/L polymer gels) performed best. MFCs fed with the slow-release carbon enriched a distinct microbial community comparing to the control MFC with acetate as the carbon source, with the genera Geobacter, Sphaerochaeta, Christensenellaceae, Aminiphilus and Proteiniphilum significantly enriched on the anode electrode, and Sphaerochaeta, Proteiniphilum and Bacteroidetes in the anolyte. This carbon source providing method will promote the application of MFCs as a sustainable and stable power source for environmental monitoring and remediation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Polymer gels capable of releasing starch acetate was used as the fuel of MFCs. Long-term and stable power generation was achieved in MFCs fed with Polymer gels. Influence of slow-release carbon source on anode microbial community was revealed. The novel fuel providing method will promote application of recovered electricity.