Influence of nitrogen limitation on performance of a microbial fuel cell

2011 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 1752-1757 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Belleville ◽  
P. J. Strong ◽  
P. H. Dare ◽  
D. J. Gapes
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Nitrogen Limitation ◽  
Synthetic Wastewater ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Treatment Technology ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance ◽  
Nitrogen Levels

We describe the operation of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) system operating on a synthetic wastewater (acetic acid), under conditions of increasing nitrogen limitation. Two MFCs were operated under feed conditions which spanned a range of TKN/COD values of 1.6–28 mg/g. Stable operation was observed in all cases, even when no ammoniacal nitrogen was added to the cell. Improved electrochemical performance (measured as power density, W/m2) was observed as nitrogen limitation was imposed on the cells. Even with no ammonium addition, continuous function of the cell was maintained, at levels consistent with operation at balanced nutrient supplementation. The work has implicated biological nitrogen fixation as a potential source of nitrogen within the MFC. Whilst this hypothesis has yet to be confirmed, the work highlights the opportunity for continuous operation of microbial fuel cells utilising wastewaters with extremely low nitrogen levels, present in pulp and paper, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries. Further, the described increases in some of the electrochemical indices (e.g. power density) under application of nitrogen limitation may provide a new approach to increasing fuel cell performance. Finally, the lack of any need to add supplemental nitrogen to a MFC-based wastewater treatment technology holds potential for significant financial and environmental savings.

Improvement of Microbial Fuel Cell Performance by Using Nafion Polyaniline Composite Membranes as a Separator

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader Mokhtarian ◽  
Mostafa Ghasemi ◽  
Wan Ramli Wan Daud ◽  
Manal Ismail ◽  
Ghasem Najafpour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Proton Conductivity ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Composite Membranes ◽  
Infrared Analysis ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance ◽  
Fuel Cell Operation

The characteristics of four new proton-conducting membranes, Nafion112/polyaniline composite membranes of various compositions, are studied for application as membrane separators in microbial fuel cells. The composite membranes are made by immersing Nafion-112 membranes in a solution containing aniline for different immersion times. The presence of polyaniline and sulfonic functional groups in the composite membranes is confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared analysis while their surface roughness is determined by using atomic force microscopy prior to microbial fuel cell operation. Biofouling on the membranes' surface is also examined by using a scanning electron microscope after microbial fuel cell operation. The polarization curves and, hence, the power density curves are measured by varying the load's resistance. The power density of the microbial fuel cell with the Nafion/polyaniline composite membranes improves significantly as the amount of polyaniline increases because the interaction between sulfonic groups in the Nafion matrix and polyaniline in the polyaniline domains increases proton conductivity. However, it declines after more polyaniline is added because of less conjugated bonding of polyaniline and sulfonic acid groups for larger polyaniline domains in the Nafion matrix. The voltage overpotential is also smaller as the amount of polyaniline increases. Biofouling also decreases with increasing polyaniline in the Nafion/polyaniline composite membranes because they have smoother surfaces than Nafion membranes. The results show that the maximum power generated by the microbial fuel cells with Nafion112-polyaniline composite membrane is 124.03 mV m−2 with a current density of 454.66 mA m−2, which is approximately more than ninefold higher than that of microbial fuel cells with neat Nafion-112. It can be concluded that the power density of the microbial fuel cell can be increased by modifying the Nafion membrane separators with more conductive polymers that are less susceptible to biofouling to improve its proton conductivity.

scholarly journals Effect of Nitrite and Nitrate Concentrations on the Performance of AFB-MFC Enriched with High-Strength Synthetic Wastewater

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-sheng Huang ◽  
Ping Yang ◽  
Chong-ming Li ◽  
Yong Guo ◽  
Bo Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Nitrate Nitrogen ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Synthetic Wastewater ◽  
Flow Mode ◽  
Anode Chamber ◽  
Nitrite Nitrogen ◽  
One Year

In order to study the effect of nitrite and nitrate on the performance of microbial fuel cell, a system combining an anaerobic fluidized bed (AFB) and a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was employed for high-strength nitrogen-containing synthetic wastewater treatment. Before this study, the AFB-MFC had been used to treat high-strength organic wastewater for about one year in a continuous flow mode. The results showed that when the concentrations of nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were increased from 1700 mg/L to 4045 mg/L and 545 mg/L to 1427 mg/L, respectively, the nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen removal efficiencies were both above 99%; the COD removal efficiency went up from 60.00% to 88.95%; the voltage was about 375 ± 15 mV while the power density was at 70 ± 5 mW/m2. However, when the concentrations of nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were above 4045 mg/L and 1427 mg/L, respectively, the removal of nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, COD, voltage, and power density were decreased to be 86%, 88%, 77%, 180 mV, and 17 mW/m2 when nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were increased to 4265 mg/L and 1661 mg/L. In addition, the composition of biogas generated in the anode chamber was analyzed by a gas chromatograph. Nitrogen gas, methane, and carbon dioxide were obtained. The results indicated that denitrification happened in anode chamber.

scholarly journals Using Shewanella Oneidensis MR1 as a Biocatalyst in a Microscale Microbial Fuel Cell

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Yang ◽  
Sasan Ghobadian ◽  
Reza Montazami ◽  
Nastaran Hashemi
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Shewanella Oneidensis ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Carbon Cloth ◽  
Anode Chamber

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is a promising area in the field of renewable energy because of their capability to use the energy contained in wastewater, which has been previously an untapped source of power. Microscale MFCs are desirable for their small footprints, relatively high power density, fast start-up, and environmentally-friendly process. Microbial fuel cells employ microorganisms as the biocatalysts instead of metal catalysts, which are widely applied in conventional fuel cells. MFCs are capable of generating electricity as long as nutrition is provided. Miniature MFCs have faster power generation recovery than macroscale MFCs. Additionally, since power generation density is affected by the surface-to-volume ratio, miniature MFCs can facilitate higher power density. We have designed and fabricated a microscale microbial fuel cell with a volume of 4 μL in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chamber. The anode and cathode chambers were separated by a proton exchange membrane. Carbon cloth was used for both the anode and the cathode. Shewanella Oneidensis MR-1 was chosen to be the electrogenic bacteria and was inoculated into the anode chamber. We employed Ferricyanide as the catholyte and introduced it into the cathode chamber with a constant flow rate of approximately 50 μL/hr. We used trypticase soy broth as the bacterial nutrition and added it into the anode chamber approximately every 15 hours once current dropped to base current. Using our miniature MFC, we were able to generate a maximum current of 4.62 μA.

scholarly journals PENGARUH JENIS ELEKTRODA TERHADAP POWER DENSITY PADA MICROBIAL FUEL CELL DENGAN PENAMBAHAN GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Vidia Wahyu Meidy Safitri ◽  
Tuhu Agung Rachmanto
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Liquid Waste ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Pre Treatment

ABSTRAK Limbah cair tahu mengandung kandungan organik tinggi dengan konsentrasi COD 1408 mg/l, TSS 191 mg/l dan pH 4,46.  Salah satu penelitian dengan pemanfaatan limbah dan energi yaitu Microbial Fuel cell (MFC). Energi Kimia senyawa organik dari mikroorganisme akan dirubah menjadi energi listrik dengan reaksi katalik dari mikroorganisme dalam keadaan anaerob merupakan proses microbial fuel cells. Salah satu tantangan untuk mengembangkan sistem MFC adalah dengan memilih elektroda yang tepat. Elektroda yang digunakan harus memiliki daya konduktifitas listrik tinggi, pemukaan yang luas, non korosif, biokompatibel, stabil. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memgetahui jenis elektroda optimum dalam menghasilkan power density dengan variasi elektroda karbon grafit, seng dan tembaga, variasi waktu 0, 48, 96, 144, dan 192 jam. Dilakukan pre-treatment koagulasi flokulasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa MFC dengan elektroda karbon grafit dan karbon grafit menghaslikan power density sebesar 2292,994 mW/m2. MFC juga menurunkan konsentrasi COD hingga 88%. Waktu pengolahan dapat mempengaruhi efisiensi penyisihan COD.   Kata kunci: limbah tahu, microbial fuel cell, power density   ABSTRACT   Tofu liquid waste contains high organic content with a COD concentration of 1408 mg / l, TSS 191 mg / l and pH 4.46. One of the researches related to waste and energy utilization is Microbial Fuel cell (MFC). Chemical energy organic compounds from microorganism will be converted into electrical energy by the catalytic reaction of microorganism in anaerobic conditions is a process of microbial fuel cells. One of the challenges to developing an MFC system is to choose the right electrodes. The electrodes used must have high electrical conductivity, a wide surface, non-corrosive, biocompatible, stable. This study aims to find out the most optimum type of electrode in producing power density with variations of carbon graphite, zinc and copper, variations of 0, 48, 96, 144, and 192 hours. The pre-treatment are Coagulation-flocculation. The results showed that MFC with carbon graphite and carbon graphite electrodes produced a power density of 2292,994 mW/m2. MFC also reduces COD concentrations up to 88%. Processing time can affect the efficiency of COD removal.   Keywords: Tofu Liquid Waste, Microbial Fuel Cells, power density

scholarly journals Effects of Polymer Matrices and Carbon Nanotubes on the Generation of Electric Energy in a Microbial Fuel Cell

Membranes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia Plekhanova ◽  
Sergei Tarasov ◽  
Vladimir Kolesov ◽  
Iren Kuznetsova ◽  
Maria Signore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Vinyl Alcohol ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Poly Vinyl Alcohol ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon

The anode of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was formed on a graphite electrode and immobilized Gluconobacter oxydans VKM-1280 bacterial cells. Immobilization was performed in chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol) or N-vinylpyrrolidone-modified poly(vinyl alcohol). Ethanol was used as substrate. The anode was modified using multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The aim of the modification was to create a conductive network between cell lipid membranes, containing exposed pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent alcoholdehydrogenases, and the electrode to facilitate electron transfer in the system. The bioelectrochemical characteristics of modified anodes at various cell/polymer ratios were assessed via current density, power density, polarization curves and impedance spectres. Microbial fuel cells based on chitosan at a matrix/cell volume ratio of 5:1 produced maximal power characteristics of the system (8.3 μW/cm2) at a minimal resistance (1111 Ohm cm2). Modification of the anode by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) led to a slight decrease of internal resistance (down to 1078 Ohm cm2) and to an increase of generated power density up to 10.6 μW/cm2. We explored the possibility of accumulating electric energy from an MFC on a 6800-μF capacitor via a boost converter. Generated voltage was increased from 0.3 V up to 3.2 V. Accumulated energy was used to power a Clark-type biosensor and a Bluetooth transmitter with three sensors, a miniature electric motor and a light-emitting diode.

Simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal using a litre-scale upflow microbial fuel cell

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling-ling Zhao ◽  
Tian-shun Song
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Nitrogen Removal ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Synthetic Wastewater ◽  
Nitrification Rate ◽  
Carbon And Nitrogen

A 10 L upflow microbial fuel cell (UMFC) was constructed for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal. During the 6-month operation, the UMFC constantly removed carbon and nitrogen, and then generated electricity with synthetic wastewater as substrate. At 5.0 mg L−1 dissolved oxygen, 100 Ω external resistance, and pH 6.5, the maximum power density (Pmax) and nitrification rate for the UMFC was 19.5 mW m−2 and 17.9 mg·(L d)−1, respectively. In addition, Pmax in the UMFC with chicken manure wastewater as substrate was 16 mW m−2, and a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 94.1% in the UMFC was achieved at 50 mM phosphate-buffered saline. Almost all ammonia in the cathode effluent was effectively degraded after biological denitrification in the UMFC cathode. The results can help to further develop pilot-scale microbial fuel cells for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal.

Effects of evolving quality of landfill leachate on microbial fuel cell performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simeng Li ◽  
Gang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Landfill Leachate ◽  
Internal Resistance ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Leachate Treatment ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance ◽  
Leachate Quality

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a novel technology for landfill leachate treatment with simultaneous electric power generation. In recent years, more and more modern landfills are operating as bioreactors to shorten the time required for landfill stabilization and improve the leachate quality. For landfills to operate as biofilters, leachate is recirculated back to the landfill, during which time the organics of the leachate can be decomposed. Continuous recirculation typically results in evolving leachate quality, which chronologically corresponds to evolution stages such as hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, methanogenesis, and maturation. In this research, variable power generation (160 to 230 mW m˗2) by MFC was observed when leachate of various evolutionary stages was used as the feed. The power density followed a Monod-type kinetic model with the chemical oxygen demand (COD) equivalent of the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) ( p < 0.001). The coulombic efficiency decreased from 20% to 14% as the leachate evolved towards maturation. The maximum power density linearly decreased with the increase of internal resistance, resulting from the change of the conductivity of the solution. The decreased conductivity boosted the internal resistance and consequently limited the power generation. COD removal as high as 90% could be achieved with leachate extracted from appropriate evolutionary stages, with a maximum energy yield of 0.9 kWh m˗3 of leachate. This study demonstrated the importance of the evolving leachate quality in different evolutionary stages for the performance of leachate-fed MFCs. The leachate extracted from acidogenesis and acetogenesis were optimal for both COD reduction and energy production in MFCs.

Three-dimensional hierarchical MoO2/MoC@NC-CC free-standing anode applied in microbial fuel cells

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da Liu ◽  
Wen-Kai Fang ◽  
Jiangtao Li ◽  
Liling Zhang ◽  
Mei Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Electrocatalytic Activity ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Higher Power

In general, more exoelectrogens’ enrichment implies higher power density. However, due to the low electrocatalytic activity of the anode, it limits the performance of microbial fuel cell. Here, based on...

Metallophthalocyanine/carbon nanotube hybrids: extending applications to microbial fuel cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (07n08) ◽  
pp. 917-926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean L. Edwards ◽  
Ronen Fogel ◽  
Kudzai Mtambanengwe ◽  
Chamunorwa Togo ◽  
Richard Laubscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotube ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Surface Modifications ◽  
Carbon Paper ◽  
Current Response ◽  
Anode Chamber ◽  
Signal Loss

Pioneering work by Nyokong and others have highlighted the potential benefits for improved electron transfer processes and catalysis of hybrid configurations of metallophthalocyanines with carbon nanotubes. Here we examine the practical application of such hybrid configurations in an Enterobacter cloacae microbial fuel cell. Electrochemical investigations at glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) showed that FePc and FePc :multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid surface modifications display significant oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalytic properties compared to either MWCNT-modified or bare GCE surfaces throughout acidic- to moderately-alkaline pHs. Significant stabilization of the current response at FePc :MWCNT surfaces are notable throughout the pH range, compared to GCE surfaces modified with FePc alone. Corresponding results were obtained for surface modifications of bare carbon paper (BCP) cathodes in a microbial fuel cell where power density increases were observed in the order: Pt > FePc :MWCNT > FePc > MWCNT > BCP. A synergistic combination of simple treatments such as increased ionic strength (300 mM NaCl ), temperature (35 °C), and agitation of the anode chamber in this MFC configuration increased the power density to 2.5 times greater than that achieved at platinised cathode configurations under non-optimised conditions, achieving peak power densities of 212 mW.m-2. The long-term stability of the MFC was assessed over 55 days. Surprisingly, the majority of signal loss over extended MFC operation was attributed, in this study, to fouling of the Nafion® PEM membrane rather than either leaching/fouling of the catalysts from the electrodes or nutrient depletion in the anode over the time periods examined.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF CARBON BASED ELECTRODES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MICROBIAL FUEL CELL

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4RAST) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Omkar S Powar ◽  
Lakshminarayana Bhatta ◽  
Raghavendra Prasad ◽  
Krishna Venkatesh ◽  
A.V. Raghu
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cell ◽  
High Power ◽  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Bacillus Coagulans ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Carbon Cloth ◽  
Anode Chamber ◽  
Graphite Sheet ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance

In this study electricity generation was evaluated in a two chambered microbial fuel cell. Performance of microbial fuel cells using two bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus coagulans and using three different electrodes namely graphite blocks, carbon cloth and graphite sheet was studied. The device was operated under anaerobic condition in the anode chamber and parameters were recorded for a period of 48 hours. The performance of MFC was analyzed by the measurement of open circuit voltage, polarization curves, impedance curves and cyclic voltammetry. Among different combinations of electrode tested, carbon cloth electrode produced high power density (80 mW/m2). Graphite block gave much high power compared to sheet. Finally, performance was compared with Shewanellaputrefaciens. The current study explores the applicability of carbon electrode for MFC applications.

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