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Bioanode as a limiting factor to biocathode performance in microbial electrolysis cells.
Swee Su Lim1, Eileen Hao Yu2, Wan Ramli Wan Daud3
1School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom; Fuel Cell Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia.
Bioresource Technology
|April 29, 2017
Summary
Robust bioanodes in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) maintain catalytic activity across a wide potential range. This ensures efficient hydrogen production at the biocathode, crucial for system performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Microbial Fuel Cells
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Bioanodes are critical components in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), directly impacting system performance.
- Maintaining bioanode catalytic activity under varying potentials is essential for stable operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the robustness and catalytic activity of bioanodes under different applied potentials.
- To determine the optimal conditions for hydrogen production in MECs.
Main Methods:
- Chronoamperometric analysis to assess bioanode current density.
- Varied anode and cathode potentials to measure hydrogen production rates.
Main Results:
- Bioanodes sustained oxidation activity from -0.3V to +1.0V.
- Peak current densities of 0.36A/m² and 0.37A/m² were achieved at 0V and +0.6V, respectively.
- Maximum hydrogen production rate of 7.4L H₂/(m² day) occurred at -1.0V cathode potential.
Conclusions:
- Bioanode performance limits biocathode hydrogen generation.
- The maximum safe applied potential for the biocathode was determined to be -0.84V to prevent bioanode overloading.
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