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Power overshoot in two-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC)
Po-Chin Nien1, Chin-Yu Lee, Kuo-Chuan Ho
1Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
Bioresource Technology
|February 8, 2011
Summary
This study investigated microbial fuel cells (MFCs), finding that resistance in electrogenic bacteria during substrate utilization likely causes power overshoot. This research offers insights into optimizing MFC performance and understanding electron transfer mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable energy source by converting organic matter into electricity using microorganisms.
- Understanding the factors limiting MFC performance, such as internal resistances, is crucial for their practical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors limiting power output and causing power overshoot in a two-chamber microbial fuel cell.
- To identify the rate-determining steps and analyze various resistance components within the MFC system.
Main Methods:
- A two-chamber microbial fuel cell was operated using iron-reducing bacteria and acetate.
- Electrochemical measurements, including open-circuit voltage and power density, were recorded.
- Anolyte stirring and data regression analysis were employed to assess mass transfer and charge transfer resistances.
Main Results:
- The microbial fuel cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 0.67 V and a peak power density of 486 mW m(-2).
- Anodic reactions were identified as the primary rate-limiting step.
- External mass transfer resistance and charge transfer resistance at the biofilm-anode junction were found to be negligible.
Conclusions:
- Electron transfer resistance had minimal impact on the overall MFC performance.
- Resistance associated with substrate utilization by electrogenic bacteria is proposed as the cause of power overshoot in MFCs.
- Further research into substrate utilization kinetics is recommended for MFC optimization.
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